SERAP, Amnesty International Demand Release of Detained #EndBadGovernance Protester
Civil society groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Amnesty International, and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), are strongly condemning the ongoing detention of 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters. These individuals were arraigned today at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to Afriksblog, the Nigeria Police detained over a thousand protesters across the country in August following demonstrations held from August 1st to August 10th, 2024. Protesters demanded an end to the harsh economic conditions brought on by policies under President Tinubu’s administration.
Among the 76 individuals in court, some were minors who showed signs of malnutrition after months in detention. One of the children collapsed in the courtroom and was given biscuits and water to stabilize.
On social media, #SerapNigeria responded, criticizing the detention of minors and urging President Bola Tinubu to release the detained protesters and dismiss all treason-related charges. The organization also warned of possible legal action if these demands were not met.
“The Tinubu administration must unconditionally release the 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters and drop all charges of ‘treasonable felony’ against them or face legal action,” the post read. “No one should be punished for peacefully exercising their human rights.”
Amnesty International also voiced its opposition, condemning the attempt to charge the minors with treason as a “clear violation of the rule of law.” The organization demanded their immediate and unconditional release, expressing concern over the government’s actions.
“Amnesty International condemns the ongoing detention of minors who joined the August #EndBadGovernance protests,” Amnesty stated. “The government’s effort to prosecute these children under ‘treason’ charges shows a blatant disregard for the rule of law. They must be released without further delay.”
Amnesty International further revealed that during the protests, 12 minors were unlawfully detained in Katsina, and 43 other protesters face treason charges in Abuja. The organization cautioned that the Nigerian authorities were increasing their efforts to restrict peaceful protests through arrests and baseless trials.
They reported, “In Katsina, at least 12 children under 16 years old were detained for merely being present on the streets during the protests. These young individuals are now threatened with prosecution on unfounded charges.”
“The detention of minors, exposing them to trauma for exercising their right to peaceful protest, is unacceptable. They should be freed immediately and unconditionally,” the statement continued.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, also released a statement condemning the actions as a violation of children’s basic rights, portraying Nigeria as a country that disregards fundamental rights.
“This situation paints Nigeria as a country that claims to the United Nations it has ended torture, yet the minors presented in court reveal the opposite, casting doubt on Nigeria’s commitment to abolishing torture. Today is indeed a sad day for Nigeria.”
He also urged the United Nations Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture, which visited Nigeria in September, to reassess the country’s detention practices. Onwubiko argued that further investigations should focus on the extensive use of torture in government detention centers, demanding a significant intervention from the UN to ensure Nigeria fully eradicates such treatment.
Onwubiko called on President Tinubu to take swift action by releasing the minors and instructing the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to assist them. He suggested enrolling the children in educational or vocational programs, supporting their integration into society.
“We urge the President to release these children immediately and task the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs with enrolling them in schools or vocational programs. They deserve the opportunity to develop skills that will allow them to lead normal lives and positively impact Nigeria’s future,” he concluded.
