- The police arraigned 72 defendants for allegedly participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, which took place between August 1 and 10 across the country.
- Many of the defendants were minors who were eventually granted N10 million bail.
- However, many Nigerians have condemned the arraignment of the minors by the federal government.
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, denounced the “inhumane treatment” of minors accused of participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The police arraigned 76 individuals for participating in the nationwide protest, which occurred between August 1 and 10.
Chaos erupted at a federal high court in Abuja when some minors among the 76 defendants collapsed while awaiting arraignment.
The court granted each defendant N10 million bail, while the prosecutor requested removing the names of those who collapsed.
The 76 defendants, arrested in various states, face treason charges.
Prosecutor Rimazonte Ezekiel claimed all defendants are adults, stating “most of them are married men”.
Ezekiel also said the “small kids” in court accompanied their parents.
Kwankwaso criticized the Nigeria Police Force for arraigning minors, calling it “highly unusual” and violating human rights.
“I am shocked by the arraignment of 67 minors,” Kwankwaso said, highlighting their malnourishment and need for medical attention,” he wrote on X.
Kwankwaso emphasized leaders’ duty to protect vulnerable individuals.
He condemned the stringent bail conditions, citing absurdity.
Kwankwaso referenced the Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11.
He urged authorities to reconsider charges and prioritize national security concerns.
The former NNPP presidential candidate implored the federal government to address pressing issues over prosecuting children.
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