In a concerning incident at the Federal High Court in Abuja, five minors allegedly involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests collapsed during their arraignment on November 1st.
The young protesters, facing charges as severe as terrorism and attempting to overthrow the government, appeared visibly weak and reportedly fainted due to hunger.
This incident highlights both the alleged mistreatment of the detainees and ongoing tensions surrounding the protests.
A Disturbing Courtroom Scene
The courtroom was thrown into chaos when a batch of minors was brought in to face charges related to their involvement in the recent protests.
According to eyewitness accounts, a few of the minors began to collapse as they waited to be called before the judge.
Observers reported that the fainting spells were due to prolonged hunger and poor treatment during their detention. In response, the presiding judge promptly suspended court proceedings, and the minors were rushed to the hospital for emergency medical attention.
Eyewitnesses stated that the sight of malnourished teenagers collapsing was heart-wrenching, especially given the gravity of the charges they face.
Defense attorneys and activists present at the hearing expressed outrage, questioning how such young individuals could be detained under such serious charges and allegedly deprived of basic needs, including food.
A Controversial Detention Order
Justice Emeka Nwite had previously authorized the extended detention of these protesters for 60 days.
This ruling was made based on an ex-parte application by the police, allowing them time to conduct further investigations. Reports suggest that many of the minors were detained in various police cells across Abuja, including the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) detention facilities.
Defense lawyer Marshall Abubakar revealed that the defendants, some of whom are minors, had been divided into two groups—one consisting of 76 individuals and another of 49.
Abubakar and other defense team members criticized the lengthy detention period, alleging that it has contributed to the deteriorating health and well-being of the defendants.
According to one source, the fainting incidents in court directly resulted from the alleged maltreatment in custody and prolonged periods without adequate nourishment.
The treatment of the detained minors has sparked widespread condemnation, both locally and internationally.
Human rights organizations and activists have voiced concerns over what they perceive as excessive force against young protesters and an infringement on basic human rights.
Critics argue that detaining minors in this manner and under these conditions violates both national and international human rights laws.
Some supporters of the detained individuals have raised questions about the integrity of the charges.
They argue that accusations of terrorism and attempts to overthrow the government are disproportionate to the actions of teenagers who were simply expressing their discontent over governance issues.
One supporter exclaimed, “They claimed not to have arrested minors—yet here they are, in custody, malnourished, and in poor health. Is this justice?”
This courtroom incident has also led many to question Nigeria's commitment to the rule of law and the proper treatment of those awaiting trial.
Some critics see the minors’ collapse in court as an illustration of deeper systemic issues, particularly the state’s heavy-handed response to public dissent.
The #EndBadGovernance movement emerged as a response to what many young Nigerians view as persistent governmental failures, including corruption, economic hardship, and lack of accountability.
Protests, primarily led by the youth, broke out across the nation from August 1st to August 10th, with calls for a more transparent and responsive government.
The movement quickly gained traction on social media, amplifying the voices of Nigerian youth and shining a spotlight on the challenges facing the country.
However, authorities have responded to the protests with stringent measures, leading to numerous arrests and an increased police presence at public demonstrations.
Charges such as terrorism and mutiny are a significant escalation, particularly given the ages of some of the detainees.
This response has raised questions about freedom of expression in Nigeria and the extent to which citizens can safely express their views without fear of reprisal.
As the detained minors recover from their health scares, their case continues to draw public attention and scrutiny.
Many Nigerians, activists, and legal experts are calling for a fair trial and humane treatment for the defendants, particularly in cases involving minors.
The courtroom collapse incident has intensified calls for accountability and justice, as well as calls for authorities to reconsider the treatment of young protesters.
The plight of these young detainees shines a light on broader issues in Nigeria’s justice system, including the need for transparency, humane treatment, and respect for the rights of those detained.
As this case progresses, it will serve as a litmus test for the country’s commitment to human rights and justice, especially in handling cases involving minors and individuals expressing dissent.
For now, as the nation watches closely, the hope remains that these young protesters will be given a fair hearing and that their health and dignity will be safeguarded.
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