The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has strongly criticized the recent detention, arraignment, and alleged mistreatment of minors arrested during the August #EndBadGovernance protests.
CACOL has called on President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of these youths, urging that charges against them be dropped to prevent further harm from prolonged detention and exposure to negative influences.
On Friday, 76 individuals were arraigned in Abuja’s Federal High Court before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, facing various charges, including terrorism and attempted mutiny. Of these, 32 defendants were minors aged 14 to 17, all accused in connection to the protests. Each of the 67 adult defendants was granted bail set at N10 million.
In a statement released by Tola Oresanwo, Director of Administration and Programmes, on behalf of CACOL Chairman Debo Adeniran, the organization condemned the government’s neglect of the issues driving the protests, especially as Nigerians face skyrocketing fuel, food, and living costs.
“The End Bad Governance protests represent a collective cry for change, spotlighting issues of corruption, inequality, and systemic neglect. The severe maltreatment of minors detained during these protests exposes a troubling failure in governance: vulnerable children are bearing the brunt of societal dysfunction,” the statement read.
CACOL voiced deep concern over the minors’ treatment, highlighting reports of severe malnutrition and deprivation in detention facilities. These children, CACOL argued, are victims of circumstance, exercising their right to protest and demand accountability. The organization demanded that juvenile suspects be housed in remand homes that meet minimum welfare standards, and called for an investigation to hold accountable those responsible for detaining minors alongside adults.
CACOL also recommended that upon their release, the minors should receive psychological support to help them cope with the trauma endured during their detention. Furthermore, the organization called for compensation for the inhumane treatment these children suffered.
“As the nation demands justice and reform, the plight of these malnourished minors highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in the nation’s justice policies, prioritizing health, welfare, and a commitment to justice for all,” the statement concluded.
