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November 1, 2024
The minister affirmed that the government had received the reactions of Nigerians to the welfare concerns of the detained minors.
The President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has reacted to the growing backlashes on the detention of some minors and the inhumane conditions under which they were brought to the court in Abuja.
This was communicated in a statement signed by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, on Friday.
The minister affirmed that the government had received the reactions of Nigerians to the welfare concerns of the detained minors.
“The attention of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has been drawn to reports about the condition of young people who were presented in court this morning over charges relating to the most recent nationwide protests.”
The statement noted that the ministry was engaging with its interior counterpart “to ascertain facts of the matter and improving welfare of young people being held, not just in relation to this case but in custodial centres across the country.
“Please be assured of the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding youth interests and welfare of young Nigerians, wherever they may be.”
SaharaReporters earlier reported that the malnourished youths detained were brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Some of those detained had collapsed during the court process.
The incident occurred when the minors were brought to court from various detention cells of the police force, including from the Intelligence Response Team unit.
The detention of the teenagers was ordered by Justice Emeka Nwite, who granted an ex-parte application by the police to keep them in custody for 60 days to conclude their 'investigation' against the protesters, who have been accused of attempting to overthrow President Tinubu.
SaharaReporters had learnt that 13 of them were brought to court from IRT cells while others were brought from cells scattered around other Abuja divisions.