While reacting to the development, the RULAAC described the situation as totally heartbreaking and unacceptable.
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and the Youths Rights Campaign (YRC) have condemned the inhumane conditions of the minors arrested on the allegations of participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
While reacting to the development, the RULAAC described the situation as totally heartbreaking and unacceptable.
The organisation reacted in a statement signed by Okechukwu Nwanguma on Friday.
“The situation with the underage children fainting in court due to hunger and illness is absolutely heartbreaking and unacceptable. It's shocking to learn that these children have been in detention since August, allegedly for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest, and are being arraigned in Abuja despite being caught in Kano, Kaduna, and Zaria.”
“If it is confirmed, the claim that one of the minors was listed as 15 years old on the charge sheet but claims to be only 8 years old, it raises serious concerns about the handling of this case. It's crucial that the authorities ensure the welfare and safety of these children, particularly considering their vulnerability.”
The organisation reminded the Nigerian government of laws and policies in the country that were put in place to protect children, including the Child Rights Act 2003, “which defines a child as anyone under 18 years old and emphasises the best interest of the child in all actions.”
The group noted that inspite of programmes like the UNICEF Child Protection Programs, National Guidelines for Alternative Care of Children, Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act,impacts at remedial efforts, impacts are not felt.
“More needs to be done to address the systemic issues leading to child abuse and neglect. Establishing a dedicated Child Protection Agency could help address these concerns.”
RULAAC demanded justice and immediate release for these children.
“It's essential to hold authorities accountable for ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in Nigeria.”
Another group, the Youths Rights Campaign also condemned the development while demanding their unconditional release while dropping charges against all protesters.
The group noted that the arrested children had spent 93 days in police detention due to a court order.
“The children were looking disheveled, sick and visibly malnourished as they huddled together in the dock – a visible sign of their poor treatment and possibly torture while in detention. At least 4 of them, including an adult, slumped while waiting to take their pleas while one was on the ground writhing in pain thereby prompting the judge to pause proceedings briefly.” the statement signed by Francis Nwapa, YRC National secretary read.
“We of the Youth Rights Campaign (YRC) condemn the Tinubu government for this inhumane treatment of the children and other detainees. We recognize that the judge discharged the 4 defendants that slumped until medically fit while admitting the rest to bail even though the conditions are as usual stringent. However, as far as we are concerned, even this is not enough because all it means is that they all will continue to stand trial over outrageously false charges of terrorism and treason.”
They also demanded that the charges against the children and other detainees be dropped completely and they should be reunited with their families immediately.
“Children should be in school, not in court. Putting them on trial purportedly for plotting to topple a government is nothing but a moral outrage. It shows that the Tinubu government has clearly lost any modicum of reason. Rather it has now become a rampaging civilian capitalist dictatorship bereft of all decency.”
They also demanded the withdrawal of charges against Adaramoye Michael Lenin and all protesters standing trial.
There has been outrage since the videos of the children who fainted in court were released.