Outcry Erupts Over Police Charging 32 Starving Children With Treason; Four Collapse

Outcry Erupts Over Police Charging 32 Starving Children With Treason; Four CollapseNigerians are expressing outrage over the arraignment of 76 suspects, including 32 minors, at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August. Civil society groups and human rights activists have condemned the police and government for their actions.

The suspects, who have been in detention for three months, were arrested across various states including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano. They face ten counts including treason, conspiracy to destabilize Nigeria, and inciting mutiny by calling for military intervention against President Bola Tinubu.

The protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, were a response to economic hardship and governance issues, with demonstrators demanding reduced governance costs, the reinstatement of fuel subsidies, and improved food security. Some protests escalated into violence, leading to looting and vandalism.

Among the defendants, the minors, aged 14 to 17, appeared malnourished and were seen scrambling for food in viral videos. During the arraignment, four of the children collapsed in court, prompting the judge to suspend the proceedings until order could be restored. They were quickly removed from the courtroom, unable to stand.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu ordered that all defendants be present in court, but also acknowledged the health issues of the minors. The prosecution suggested releasing the sick defendants temporarily until they recover, while the defense counsel argued for their immediate discharge due to their poor health and lack of food.

Ultimately, the court granted bail to the minors, with conditions requiring substantial sureties, but did not acquit them. The judge mandated that those over 18 be remanded in Kuje Custodial Centre, while the minors were sent to the Borstal Centre in Gwagwalada.

The Nigerian Bar Association criticized the treatment of the minors, stating it violates both domestic and international laws. The association’s president, Afam Osigwe, noted that the situation reflects poorly on Nigeria’s justice system and correctional facilities. Senior Advocate of Nigeria Isiaka Olagunju also condemned the arraignment, pointing out that minors should be tried in a family court, not a Federal High Court, as stipulated by the Child Rights Act.

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