More condemnations trail arraignment of minors who participated in the EndBadGovernance protests in Court, even as Police dismiss the minors’ fainting as stage-managed

The Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has condemned the maltreatment of the 124 protesters, among them minors, by the Federal Government, noting that suspects deserve some dignity even in a correctional homes, as human beings.

 

He was reacting to the trending video of minors arraigned for participating in the EndBadGovernance protests.

 

Mr Obi described the video as disturbing and condemnable scene, showing 124 protesters among them minor -appearing in court.

 

The former Governor of Anambra State stressed the need to enforce citizens fundamental rights.

 

He noted that the footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment.

 

He further highlighted that the offence being alleged against the suspects which include minors was for protesting against the bad government that was directly affecting their livelihood, which the constitution under a democratic suspension permits.

Obi expressed gratitude to the presiding Lordship for halting the trial and saving the country further embarrassment.

 

He called on relevant authorities especially the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Police, the Department of State Service (DSS) and the National Human Rights Commission, to thoroughly investigate the inhuman treatment of minors to avert such incidents in the future.

Similarly, the former Governor of Kano State, Kwankwaso, has expressed shock at the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force for allegedly participating in the End Bad Governance Protest. Reacting to the report that some malnourished minors fainted while being arraigned in the Court in Abuja, urged Federal government to tackle Insecurity in the country.

 

He observed that the children, who are obviously malnourished and needed medical attention, were subjected to a cruel experience when they should be in school.

 

He maintained that the arraignment of such number of minors in their states was highly unusual and negates every tenet of the protection of human rights and dignity.

 

He also requested that relevant authorities should immediately review their charges so that they can go back to their families and be responsible citizens.

 

The former Kano State governor called on the Federal Government to face the challenges of banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, lack of stable electricity and excruciating economic policies rather than putting children behind bars

 

However, the Nigeria Police Force has reacted to the incident in court where six out of 76 suspects suddenly rush out and fainted, drawing Media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a press statement on Saturday, said that medical aid was promptly provided to those individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody.

ACP Adejobi said the suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court.

He asserted that throughout the process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions

He said while committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.