By Vincess Okushi
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) is calling for the swift release of minors detained for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests, decrying their alleged mistreatment in police custody.
Disturbing reports have emerged that some detained minors, as young as 15, collapsed from malnutrition in a Federal High Court in Abuja.
These young protesters have reportedly been held under harsh conditions since August, with limited access to food and medical care.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, criticized these conditions, stating that they reflect poorly on Nigeria’s commitment to human rights.
CISLAC, in a passionate appeal, urged First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to intervene, encouraging her to see the detained minors as “her children.”
While calling on President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly to end the alleged abuses, warning that,
the treatment of these young citizens tarnishes Nigeria’s global image.
It is distressing that our government would allow children to suffer under such conditions. Rafsanjani stated
Those responsible for this injustice are the real offenders, not these minors who are simply exercising their right to speak out.
It stated that the situation is heartbreaking as Videos circulating on social media revealed scenes of lawyers and onlookers attempting to revive minors who had collapsed in the courtroom.
Noting that Sources alleged that these conditions were intended to serve as punishment for the children’s anti-government stance despite little evidence of wrongdoing.
CISLAC called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to advocate for the detained minors’ rights and appealed to international organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and Save the Children to publicly condemn this incident, pressuring the Nigerian government for their immediate release.
Detaining children in such appalling conditions is unconscionable. Rafsanjani emphasized.
This incident is a stain on Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
CISLAC and other human rights groups argue that detaining minors in such a manner violates national and international laws. They are calling for decisive action to ensure justice and prevent further abuses.
