The ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has called for swift release of 67 minors and other protesters detained by security agencies during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
AAN made the call in a statement signed by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, on Saturday in Abuja.
Mamedu said AAN condemned the recent detentions and harassment of peaceful protesters including minors by security agencies.
He said the actions undermined democratic values, just as he called for an immediate review of the circumstances under which the minor protesters were detained.
He said the organisation was particularly concerned about reports surrounding the treatment of minors who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
“The Constitution and the Child Rights Act make it clear that minors are not to be treated like adults in cases where the law is violated.
“Detaining and humiliating underage protesters are a blatant contravention of the Nigerian Child Rights Act, which explicitly provides for children’s right to protection from harm, abuse and neglect.
“This Act, ratified to ensure the dignity and welfare of children in Nigeria, is starkly violated by the government’s failure to protect, rather than punish, vulnerable young citizens seeking a voice against the hardships that threaten their future.
“In this case, there’s no evidence of these children being involved in the act of treason; yet they have been subjected to a reality most kids their age would never know in their lifetime.
“This shows the failure to uphold the Nigerian Child Rights Act, which guarantees children’s right to protection from harm and neglect,” he said.
The country director said Nigeria, being a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, agreed that minors should be given a shot at rehabilitation, not harsh judgment.
According to him, the law even demands that minors be kept in separate facilities from adults and to prioritise juvenile courts for their cases, aiming for rehabilitation not punishment.
“We saw how the court put a huge price tag on the freedom of these 67 minors granting them bail of ₦10 million each; these children now face a tough task of finding a surety to stand for them.
“Nigeria’s leadership is entrusted with the mandate to protect and serve its citizens. Addressing systemic issues of poverty, inequality and insecurity should be the focus of state efforts.
“Misusing security operatives and other agencies to limit freedom of expression and intimidate citizens could have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s democratic standing and the trust of its people.’’
Mamedu called for a renewed commitment to the human rights principles that underpin a strong democracy.
The country director, who identified right to protest as a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, said that every Nigerian deserved the freedom to voice their concerns in a safe environment.
He further said the government’s legitimacy was derived from the people.
“We encourage an approach that prioritises dialogue and respect for democratic freedoms to build trust and foster progress for all Nigerians.
“Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where safeguarding citizens’ right is essential to maintaining democratic principles,’’ he said.
