The detention of dozens of alleged protesters, including a large number of minors, sparked national outrage on Friday after many appeared visibly malnourished and in critical condition at a Federal High Court in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. Authorities charged the youth with treason and inciting mutiny during anti-government protests in August after holding them in custody without trial for months. Four young suspects collapsed in the courtroom, writhing in pain, before emergency medical personnel removed them for urgent care.
Youth Protests Against Economic Hardship Met with Severe Charges
The mass arrests occurred amid a wave of anti-government demonstrations in August, where citizens took to the streets over an escalating cost-of-living crisis. Annual inflation stands at over 30 percent, and basic food prices have soared, leaving millions in Nigeria struggling to make ends meet. Protesters voiced their anger at the government’s handling of the economic crisis, but the protests turned violent in several cities as demonstrators clashed with security forces. While the Nigerian police reported that seven people died, independent rights groups claim the death toll reached as high as 23, with nearly 700 arrested nationwide.
Minors Detained, Raising Human Rights Concerns
The presence of minors among those detained has drawn particular concern. A significant portion of those appearing in court were boys aged 14 to 18, prompting criticism from both local and international human rights organizations. Amnesty International condemned the detention of minors on Friday, stating, “Putting minors through these horrifying detentions for participating in protests against hunger and corruption is – so far – one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly.”
Nigerian rights group Enough is Enough echoed these concerns, calling the detentions “institutional child abuse.” In a strong statement, the group said, “These teenagers have been remanded in prison for saying they were hungry. Their place is in school, not prison. Release them now.”
Government and Police Under Fire for Detention Conditions
Video footage of some protesters waving Russian flags has led authorities to charge some of the detainees with flying foreign flags, a charge tied to treason. Two months prior, authorities arraigned 10 other suspects, accusing them of collaborating with a British citizen to destabilise the Nigerian government. Authorities have charged 114 individuals with treason and other serious offences. Bail stands at 10 million naira (approximately $6,000), a sum that many families of the detainees will likely struggle to afford.
Government Response Amid Mounting Backlash
Following Friday’s courtroom incidents and ensuing public backlash, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development issued a statement addressing “welfare concerns” for the detained minors. Minister Ayodele Olawande emphasized the government’s commitment to youth welfare, assuring that his office was working to ascertain facts and improve conditions. “The ministry is committed to safeguarding youth interests and the welfare of young Nigerians, wherever they may be,” Olawande said, noting collaboration with other governmental bodies.
Additionally, President Bola Tinubu, reacting to the widespread outrage and international embarrassment, has reportedly directed the Attorney General to review the cases of detained minors. Observers see this directive as a potential step towards reducing tensions and addressing the public outcry over the harsh treatment of young protesters.
Police Defend Actions, Cite Legal Standards
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has defended the treason charges, arguing that the detentions were lawful and that the youths had staged their collapse in court to manipulate public opinion. According to Inspector-General of Police Egbetokun, the police followed legal processes in detaining the minors and were attentive to their welfare needs. “Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner,” stated Egbetokun, through spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. He added that medical care was provided promptly.
The NPF emphasized that each detainee had reached the age of criminal responsibility, meaning they are legally accountable for their actions. “Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age,” the statement read, pointing to similar practices in other countries.
Accusations of Human Rights Violations Persist
Despite the police’s justification, human rights advocates maintain that the detention of minors without due process and their visibly poor condition in court amount to human rights violations. Observers say the conditions reflect deeper issues within Nigeria’s judicial system, with inadequate protections in place for young people in detention. The courtroom scenes of malnourished minors collapsing have intensified calls for reform in Nigeria’s justice system and for greater accountability regarding the treatment of detainees.
The Road Ahead
The trial proceeds, provoking extensive debate on the legal and moral dimensions of this case both within Nigeria and internationally. The high bail requirement and prolonged detention for the 76 defendants and their families raise further questions about access to justice for economically disadvantaged citizens.
Nigerian authorities face domestic and international condemnation, while rights advocates see this incident as a potential catalyst for systemic change, particularly in how the justice system treats minors. The administration must decide whether to address these demands or maintain its current stance, a crucial question in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with justice, human rights, and accountability.
