Amnesty International has criticized the Nigerian government for detaining minors and other protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, calling for their immediate release. The global human rights organization expressed serious concerns over the detainees’ well-being, reporting that several minors have suffered malnutrition during their detention and even collapsed during their arraignment at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement, Amnesty called on President Bola Tinubu to “order the immediate and unconditional release of all #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protesters still unlawfully detained nationwide solely for exercising their right to peaceful protest.” The organization has voiced its alarm over the charges being used against these protesters, which include “treasonable felony” and “terrorism-related offenses,” which it views as severe overreach aimed at curbing citizens’ right to assembly and freedom of expression.
The detained protesters have been in custody since August after participating in protests across the country. Amnesty reports that they have been subject to difficult conditions, with accusations that authorities are neglecting the minors’ basic rights, leading to malnourishment and a marked decline in their physical health. The organization criticized these alleged human rights abuses, with a spokesperson saying, “Putting minors through unlawful detention and sham trials is a new dimension of the Nigerian government’s persistent attacks on human rights.”
The organization also highlighted the broader issues facing Nigeria, such as severe hunger, economic instability, and widespread poverty, which are currently affecting millions. Amnesty International argues that these issues should take priority over punitive measures against protestors. According to their statement, “With millions of people on the brink of starvation, widespread malnutrition, and deep poverty, President Bola Tinubu’s government should urgently be addressing widespread hunger and the rapidly falling standard of living, instead of prioritising punishing protesters.”
In addition to the minors detained in Abuja, Amnesty reports that a group of 12 children under the age of 16 are currently on trial in Katsina State. The children reportedly became caught in the government’s crackdown on peaceful protests and now face potentially severe charges. “Children with their whole lives ahead of them are now at the risk of being tried on trumped-up charges. This is unacceptable,” said Amnesty in their statement, highlighting that the ongoing prosecutions could have long-lasting effects on these young detainees’ lives.
Amnesty International’s report also drew attention to alleged deaths that occurred during the protest crackdown. In Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Niger State, and Maiduguri, Amnesty claims that some individuals lost their lives in violent responses by security forces, further underscoring what they describe as an extreme approach to silencing dissent.
As this situation unfolds, Amnesty International has demanded accountability from the Nigerian government and urged it to shift its focus to the urgent needs of the population, including food insecurity and the rising cost of living, instead of suppressing the voices of young people and minors demanding better governance.
