In an interview with Channel TV, Police Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Ogunjobi defended the detention of minors aged seven and older who are accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Tinubu.
Ogunjobi stated that individuals above the age of seven can face legal charges, emphasizing that none of the detained minors are under this age threshold.
He explained, “Once you are more than seven years old, you can be charged to court. The fact that you are 13 years old does not mean you can’t be charged.” Ogunjobi’s comments come amid ongoing discussions regarding the treatment of minors in the justice system, particularly in cases involving political unrest.
This statement comes amidst widespread outrage regarding the treatment of these minors, who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests held from August 1 to 10. Critics have condemned the government’s actions, highlighting reports of malnutrition and mistreatment among the detained youths. Amnesty International and various civil rights organizations have called for their immediate release, arguing that charging minors with treason is a blatant violation of their rights.
The situation has drawn significant attention, with many calling it a reflection of the government’s disregard for human rights and due process. As public pressure mounts, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations and whether any changes will be made regarding the treatment of these young detainees.
