‘It’s Damaging To Nigeria’s Global Image’ – CISLAC Condemns Minors’ Detention In #EndBadGovernance Protests

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the detention and alleged mistreatment of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, urging their prompt release.

The children were arraigned before a federal high court in Abuja on a 10-count charge involving treason, but a mild drama played out when some of them started slumping in court.

The suspects are said to have been in custody since August, when the protests took place, and they were arrested.

In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organization appealed to First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to view the young detainees as “her own children” and to intercede on their behalf.

CISLAC further called on President Bola Tinubu to put an end to actions by government officials, including the Minister of Justice, and to secure the immediate release of the minors.

“It is disturbing and damaging to Nigeria’s global image to witness such treatment of young citizens who were only exercising their constitutional rights.

“The inhumane detention and maltreatment of these children must end. Anyone responsible for detaining these minors unjustly is the true criminal here, and this incident warrants urgent intervention,” Rafsanjani stated.

Heart-wrenching images and videos from the courtroom show minors collapsed on the floor, as lawyers and bystanders attempted to revive them.

CISLAC urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take immediate steps in defending the rights of these minors and called on international bodies, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and Save the Children, to condemn the incident and pressure the Nigerian government for their release.

Rafsanjani said, “Detaining these children under such appalling conditions is unconscionable.

“We are appealing to all responsible authorities to ensure their swift release and hold accountable those who orchestrated their detention. This incident stands as a dark stain on our national commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

Initially detained on allegations of involvement in a plot to destabilize the government, CISLAC and other rights organizations argue the minors’ detention violates both national and international human rights standards.