Nigerians Demand President Tinubu Hold Prosecutors Accountable For Detaining Minors

Nigerians Demand President Tinubu Hold Prosecutors Accountable For Detaining Minors

Despite a presidential directive for their release, the detention of minors and #EndBadGovernance protesters since August, followed by their recent court appearance, has intensified scrutiny on the Nigerian government’s human rights record..….CONTINUE READING 

Many are demanding accountability for the traumatic physical and psychological impact on these children.

For many, the arrest of hunger protesters under a democratic regime is troubling enough; however, the inclusion of minors in this ordeal is seen as a new low in insensitivity and poor ethical conduct by authorities.

Reports indicate that these minors, instead of being in school, were detained in correctional facilities for over three months, facing charges of terrorism. Shockingly, the court granted them bail set at N10 million each. This raises questions about the ethics of the police and judiciary.

Public backlash led the president to order their release. While this move has earned some commendation, critics question why it took so long.

On Arise TV’s morning show, Rufai Oseni shared his mixed feelings. “I commend President Tinubu for responding to public outcry, but I’m troubled if he didn’t already know these minors were being held,” he stated.

Oseni criticized the police response, particularly a spokesperson’s dismissive comments about minors’ distress. “These kids should be in school, not bearing the brunt of a government’s failure,” he added.

Similarly, Dr. Reuben Abati noted the widespread embarrassment caused by the situation, which forced the federal government to act. Referencing a guest on the program, Dr. Abati highlighted concerns from the international community, alarmed by accusations that minors were allegedly plotting to overthrow the government.

Calling for accountability, Abati urged the federal government to address unethical practices in the prosecution process, stressing that justice should be pursued with integrity.

Social media reactions echoed similar sentiments, with many users expressing heartbreak over the children’s suffering and calling for further action against those responsible.