The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the detention of minors who were apprehended during the #Endbadgovernance protests in August.
In a statement signed by Dr. Ibrahim Zikrullah, the Executive Director CHRICED highlighted that the protests, spurred by “hunger and economic distress” under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, underscore public frustration with Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges.
CHRICED expressed concerns over the conditions of the detained minors, some of whom appeared in court “in a state of hunger and malnutrition.”
The organization pointed out that these young protestors could belong to the vulnerable Almajiri population, representing part of the 10 million out-of-school children in Nigeria.
“As a nation, Nigeria has failed to support these children, and consequently, the government lacks the authority to treat them as criminals and fugitives within their own homeland,” CHRICED stated.
The organization called for their “immediate and unconditional release,” asserting that their detention violates key child rights protections under international and domestic law, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act.
CHRICED further criticized the bail conditions set by Judge Obiora Egwuatu, requiring N10 million for each detained minor, which the organization deemed “reckless and insensitive.”
CHRICED also warned that these actions undermine the nation’s democratic values.
“The stance of President Tinubu’s APC government towards citizens exercising their rights to protest and freedom of expression signals a troubling trend,” CHRICED cautioned, adding that the administration appears to be “veering towards authoritarianism.”
CHRICED urged key stakeholders, including the Chief Justice, Attorney-General, and civil society organizations, to advocate for justice and ensure the minors’ prompt release.
“These children are not criminals; rather, they are victims of the conditions imposed upon them by President Tinubu’s policies,” the organization emphasized, appealing for collective action to safeguard their dignity and rights.
