Kingibe Calls Arraignment Of Minors A Betrayal Of Humanity

Kingibe Calls Arraignment Of Minors A Betrayal Of HumanitySenator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has strongly condemned the trial of minors by the Nigeria Police for participating in hunger protests. She described the government’s actions as utterly disgraceful, unjust, and inhumane.

In a statement released on Saturday, Kingibe criticized the decision to prosecute children protesting against hunger, rather than addressing the economic hardships that prompted the protests. “I condemn in the strongest terms the recent arraignment of over 100 young boys, aged 10 to 16, who took part in the #EndBadGovernance protest. These minors, who bravely expressed their grievances about the severe hardship and hunger affecting our country, are now being charged with treason—an offense that could carry the death penalty,” she stated.

Kingibe questioned when the nation became one that turns against its children, emphasizing the loss of compassion and humanity in the treatment of young protesters. “This shameful prosecution is not only unjust; it is a betrayal of our humanity and an assault on our future. How can we allow the dreams of our children to be crushed under the weight of oppression? This must end,” she asserted.

She called for collective shame among those involved, highlighting the responsibility to protect citizens, especially children, from unjust treatment. “Children deserve quality education, better healthcare, and protection from violence, not brutal punishment for exercising their constitutional rights,” she added.

Kingibe urged human rights groups, activists, and mothers to advocate for the release of the minors. She noted that, according to Nigeria’s Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), minors aged 1 to 17 should be tried in juvenile courts, not adult criminal courts. Yet, she pointed out, these minors had been held in maximum correctional facilities for over 85 days before facing treason charges.

“How have we stooped so low as leaders? Instead of addressing the root causes of their protest, we prosecute those who speak out against them. How can a government justify holding minors in correctional centers for peacefully protesting? When did such fundamental rights become a crime in Nigeria?” she questioned.

Kingibe highlighted disturbing videos showing malnourished children in distress, stating that this situation has made Nigeria an international embarrassment. “If we cannot protect our own citizens, how can we expect to attract foreign investment?” she asked.

She called for urgent action from relevant authorities, including the Ministries of Women Affairs, Humanitarian Affairs, Justice, and the Human Rights Commission, to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of these minors. Additionally, she encouraged mothers and women across the nation to protest against the mistreatment of children, declaring, “This is not the Nigeria we envisioned; we cannot allow our future to be sacrificed in silence.

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