The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has condemned the Federal Government for the arraignment of minors in court for allegedly participating in the August #EndBadGovernance protests.
The condemnation was contained in a statement issued by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba.
It demanded for the immediate release of those arraigned, saying their trial was “a show of shame” and typical example of “gross and disturbing official high-handedness.”
The minors were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of treason over their alleged participation in the August protests.
“The trial is crass, gross, and as disturbing as can be,” the ACF added, and criticized the presiding judge’s departure from the courtroom when several of under-aged detainees collapsed due to hunger and stress.
The ACF maintained that the young citizens were victims of a flawed criminal justice system, who were being subjected to “mindless bureaucracy.”
It also condemned the stringent bail conditions, including a demand for N10 million each and sureties who must be senior government officials.
“It’s unimaginable that these citizens from the lower rungs of society would be asked to provide sureties at such levels,” the statement noted, calling it “an assault on common sense and an example of reckless power.”
The ACF said that the case has painted the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in very bad light.
“The naked show of power intended to intimidate and suppress citizens’ rights to protest is evident,” it said, emphasising that peaceful protest is an inalienable right guaranteed by the constitution.
The ACF, therefore, demanded that the Federal Government should immediately halt further detention and trial of the minors, and release them back to their families.
It also demanded for full investigation into the extended detention of the minors beyond the constitutional limit of 24 hours, and provide financial compensation for their wrongful three-month detention.
“Re-evaluate its approach to processing protests in alignment with constitutional rights and international best practices.”
The Forum criticized the government’s “callous abuse of power” and urged that the detained minors, described as “harmless, impoverished, and malnourished,” be treated with dignity, noting that the government should focus on improving their living standards instead.
The ACF joined other Nigerian and international human rights groups in condemning the trial, likening it to authoritarian tactics meant to silence citizens.
