Legal activist Deji Adeyanju has voiced strong criticism of the Nigerian government, questioning its priorities after holding minors for 93 days due to their participation in #EndBadGovernance protests, while former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has avoided arrest for six months.
Adeyanju condemned what he sees as unequal treatment, arguing, “Our laws are very clear. Holding these children in custody for this long is a clear breach of their rights.” He noted that the detained children appear malnourished, with some showing signs of kwashiorkor, and called on Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to dismiss charges against them.
Adeyanju also appealed to Fagbemi to invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows the Attorney General to assume and discontinue any case in the public interest. He argued, “This is why our human rights index is poor. We appeal to the Attorney General to allow these children to return to school.”
President Bola Tinubu has reportedly ordered a review of the treason charges brought against these minors, following public and international criticism. The case has gained widespread attention, with organizations condemning the Nigerian government’s treatment of these young detainees.
