Amnesty International demands release of minors detained for #EndBadGovernance protests

Amnesty International has condemned the detention of minors arraigned for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.

In a series of posts on X, the human rights organisation described the detainment of the minors as unlawful, noting that the action shows the government’s disregard for the law.

Amnesty International said the federal government should order an unconditional release of all the detained minors.

“Amnesty International condemns President Bola Tinubu’s government for the continued detention of minors for participating in the August #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests,” the post reads.

“The attempts to put the minors through a sham trial over alleged ‘treason’ shows the government’s utter disregard for the rule of law. The authorities must release them immediately and unconditionally.

“Putting minors through these horrifying detentions for participating in protests against hunger and corruption is — so far — one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly.

“President Bola Tinubu must unconditionally release minors detained since August.

“In Katsina, at least 12 children under 16-years-old were detained. The children ended up in detention for just being on the streets during the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“Children with their whole lives ahead of them are now at the risk of being tried on trumped up charges.

“President Bola Tinubu’s government detained these minors since August, for protesting against hunger and corruption, without access to legal assistance or family. Because of the horrifying condition of the detention many of them need urgent medical attention.

“The Nigerian authorities detained these minors unlawfully — putting them through horrifying experiences — for exercising their right to peaceful protest. Government must release them all — immediately and unconditionally.”

BACKGROUND

Between August 1 and 10, a protest against tagged #EndBadGovernance was held nationwide.

The protesters demanded a reduction in the cost of governance, the return of the petrol subsidy regime, food security, and fiscal discipline, among others.

The protest turned violent in some parts of the country while hoodlums used the opportunity to loot and vandalise public and private properties.

After the protests, the police announced the arrest of alleged perpetrators of the violence and looting in some states.

On Friday, some of those arrested for taking part in the protest, most of whom are children, were brought before a federal high court in Abuja.

At the commencement of the proceedings, four of the alleged protesters were hurriedly rushed out of the courtroom after they collapsed.

The court later granted N10 million bail to 72 defendants and removed four sick children’s names from the charge, while the remaining defendants pleaded not guilty.