Lawmaker Decries Minors’ Trial As A National Disgrace Sparks Outrage

Lawmaker Decries Minors’ Trial As A National Disgrace Sparks Outrage

A member of the House of Representatives representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency, Chimaobi Sam Atu, has criticized the trial of minors aged 12 to 16 by the Nigeria Police. According to ireporter reports, the minors were charged with terrorism, treason, and arson for their involvement in the hunger protests last August…….CONTINUE READING 

The Labour Party lawmaker emphasized that there is no justification for this blatant violation of the rights of minors who should be in school, not in court for advocating good governance. Atu reminded both the Nigeria Police and the Judiciary that wrongful prosecution constitutes a state crime.

In a statement shared on his X handle on Sunday, Atu demanded the release of the children, declaring, “Enough of this global embarrassment.” He stated, “Anyone who defends the ongoing detention and cruel treatment of these children must be living in the past. There is no justification for this clear violation of the rights of kids who should be in school.”

He further questioned whether the Nigeria Judiciary and Police understand that wrongful prosecution leads to state crime. “I urge the immediate release of these children. Enough of this global embarrassment. The world must be laughing at us right now,” Atu added.