By The detention of 75 young protesters, aged between 12 and 15, on charges including terrorism and attempted mutiny, has drawn widespread criticism over the treatment of minors in Nigeria’s justice system.
The minors, arrested for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, were brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, where the court ordered bail at N10 million per defendant, a sum beyond the means of many of their families.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu also required each minor to provide two sureties: one as a government employee at grade level 15 or higher, and the other as a parent, with both sureties needing to verify their addresses. Since many families couldn’t meet these conditions, the minors were returned to Kuje Correctional Facility.
However, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has taken control of the case. While he acknowledged awareness of the charges, he said his office needs time to review the details. Fagbemi added that he cannot overrule the court’s decision to hold the defendants in detention until the next hearing in January.
In a statement released Friday night, Fagbemi confirmed his awareness of the case, noting that his office would need to review certain issues to make an informed decision.
The statement reads: “It is not within my power to vary the court order remanding the defendants in detention centers and adjourning the case to January. However, I have instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday, November 2, 2024.”
The detention of the minors has sparked strong reactions online, with many Nigerians criticizing the government’s handling of the case and the harsh conditions imposed on children.
One user commented, “You won’t hear the senators and reps say anything. It’s none of their business. Even Northern National Assembly members will keep mute. It didn’t happen to their family members directly. That’s how evil Nigeria is.”
A user identified as Temi Daniels added, “Under this APC government, nothing anybody can tell me. Nigeria is a big disaster.”
Another user expressed frustration at the charges, saying, “I hope he knows better than to proceed with those trumped-up charges … Shioor! Charging minors with treason … An absolute travesty if you ask me.”
