The August 1, 2024 protests which was aimed at probing the issues of bad governance in Nigeria but had been defeated with propaganda has been brought back to light with the discovery of the injustice melted out on arraigned protesters. The “End Bad Governance” protests marked a significant movement for improved governance and accountability. Protesters in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Katsina, and Kano initially gathered peacefully to demand transparency, economic reform, and an end to corruption. The protests was a show of the masses disapproval with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and political tactics, especially with subsidy removals and high inflation on costs of living.
The protest had began peacefully, but quickly escalated in places like Kano as protesters faced confrontations with security forces leading to many reported injuries and a couple recorded deaths. The major turning point was when some protesters displayed symbols like Russian flags, which complicated the protest narrative and prompted government action, arresting and detaining indiscriminately, an arrest that included underage children. Michael Lenin, who is believed to have been the organizer of the #EndBadGovernance protest (a leader affiliated with the Youth Rights Campaign and the Take It Back Movement), was arrested few days on August 5 by the Department of State Services (DSS) at his residence in Abuja during an early morning raid.
Several months had gone by and activities had gone on as usual until recently it came to public notice that among those arrested were a number of under aged children who had been in custody for months with no bail posted. Authorities claimed that the use of Russian flags symbolized attempts to destabilize the country and alleged that protesters were inciting the military to overthrow the government. Among those arrested, reports indicate that over 70 people, including teenagers as young as 14, have been detained for about 90 plus days which goes against the constitution advocating for minors and addressing extended detention hours.
The children, who are evidently malnourished and put under poor living conditions were first arraigned on September 2, 2024 facing serious charges, including treason and incitement to mutiny, stemming from alleged actions during the protests. Their next hearing was scheduled for September 27, 2024 and their bail has been set for 10 million Naira each and with stringent conditions. This has sparked a huge backlash from civil rights groups and concerned citizens and the call for their urgent release without harsh bail conditions.
This situation has raised significant concerns about human rights and democratic freedoms in Nigeria. Legal experts and civil society organizations argue that the extended detention of these young individuals and even minors without due process undermines democratic rights to protest. The case has attracted widespread condemnation, with activists highlighting that peaceful protests are a constitutional right and a core element of democratic society.
Be it as it may, the actions of minors cannot be considered an act of treason as these children may not even have any understanding of their actions. The right course of action here should be an educative platform teaching these children about possible influences their actions could have on the nation and then help reform them. It is the duty of the government to share awareness not only on infectious diseases but also on infectious mindsets and workshops.
Many have called out the government for misplaced priorities seeing how the former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello who was on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 served corruption charges by The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on 19-count charges on money laundering of funds bordering N80, 246, 470,089.88k (Eight Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eighty-nine Naira, Eighty-eighty Kobo) is yet to be prosecuted and till date the defendant has remained at large refusing to be present for his plea in court.
I think it’s safe to believe the government’s idea of justice is one melted out on helpless citizens while actual perpetrators of crime remain cohorts and enjoy a life of corruption. I strongly want to believe this is not the case and hope these inhumanely treated minors will get the best justice.
