- The statement also called for investigations “into the circumstances that led to the detention of the so-called suspects for over three months.
- The forum also demanded financial compensation to the detainees for unnecessary and unjustified detention.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly denounced the harsh bail conditions imposed on minors accused of participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Several individuals, including minors, faced arraignment on Friday for alleged involvement in the protests, originating from various cities such as Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
The charges levied against them include severe offenses like terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony.
Before the suspects could enter a plea, at least four of them collapsed due to apparent ill health and malnutrition.
The court subsequently granted each defendant bail of N10 million.
In a statement released on Sunday, the ACF condemned the trial of minors on allegations of treason and other offenses, labeling it “a show of shame.”
Muhammad-Baba, ACF spokesperson, expressed the forum’s view that these citizens are victims of “Nigeria’s flawed criminal justice system and excessive bureaucracy.”
He criticized the prosecuting attorney’s and Inspector-General of Police’s statements, calling them “unhelping and insensitive,” and an attempt to justify the trial’s absurdity.
Muhammad-Baba noted that the bail conditions, including N10 million and stringent requirements, were unrealistic for detainees who likely couldn’t afford N10,000.
The ACF spokesperson also questioned senior officials’ promises to care for detainees, pointing out that protest instigators remained free while innocent citizens faced detention.
The ACF expressed disappointment in the trial judge’s decision to abandon court and impose unreasonable bail conditions.
Muhammad-Baba described the trial as “scandalous and reckless,” assaulting common sense and demonstrating untamed power to intimidate citizens exercising their rights.
The incident, according to the ACF, portrays President Bola Tinubu’s administration in a “very bad light” both locally and internationally.
The forum characterized the incident as a “naked demonstration of untamed power” aimed at suppressing citizens’ rights to protest and express grievances.
The ACF spokesperson demanded thorough investigations into the detention circumstances and advocated for detainees’ financial compensation and urgent medical care.
He emphasized the need for justice and accountability in Nigeria’s criminal justice system, which has been criticized for its flaws and bureaucracy.
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