The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a controversial decision to remand at least 22 Nigerian minors, aged 14 to 17, for a period of 60 days. This ruling follows their involvement in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests that took place from August 1 to 10. The court’s decision, granted by Justice Emeka Nwite, came in response to a request from the Nigeria Police Force, allowing for the minors’ continued detention while investigations are conducted.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Court’s Decision and Details of the Minors

Justice Nwite’s ruling, issued in response to ex-parte motions filed by police counsel Ibrahim Mohammed, permits the detention of these minors at the Borstal Home of the correctional center until the investigation concludes. Among those remanded are:

• Muktar Ishaq Alhassan, 16
• Sani Aliyu, 17
• Mahmud Mustapha, 16
• Umar Abdullahi, 17
• Habibu Sani, 17
• Mustapha Abubakar, 17
• Sani Hassan Idris, 17
• Abdulrahaman Ibrahim, 17
• Salisu Adamu, 16
• Bilal Auwalu, 15
• Amir Muhd, 17
• Abdul’aziz Adam, 15
• Sadiq Sunusi, 15
• Ibrahim Sani, 17
• Hassan Muhd, 17
• Saifullahi Muhd, 15
• Umar Ali, 17
• Musa Isyaku, 15
• Muhd Musa, 14
• Usman Amiru, 14
• Abdulganiyu Musa, 15
• Sunusi Nura, 14

This ruling follows a previous ex-parte motion granted by the same judge on August 14, allowing the detention of 75 protesters, aged 14 to 34, for similar reasons.

Allegations Against the Protesters

The detained minors, along with other protesters, face serious accusations, including acts of terrorism, treason, arson, and related felonies. These alleged offenses violate various Nigerian laws, including the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the Criminal Code Act. The affidavit submitted by Gregory Woje of the Nigeria Police Force indicates that intelligence reports suggested plans for insurrection and unrest among youth protesters.

Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the arrested individuals were reportedly recruited by financiers aiming to incite violence and disrupt public order. The allegations have raised significant concerns about the implications for civil rights and the treatment of minors in Nigeria.

Public Reaction and Implications

The court’s decision has sparked widespread criticism and concern from human rights advocates and organizations, highlighting the potential overreach of the police and judicial system in dealing with young individuals participating in protests. The treatment of minors in such serious cases raises questions about due process and the safeguarding of their rights.

As the investigation proceeds, the focus will remain on the broader implications of this ruling for freedom of expression and assembly in Nigeria, particularly in light of the ongoing protests against government policies and actions.