The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is calling on President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, to secure the release of all #EndBadGovernance protesters, particularly highlighting the plight of 32 minors reportedly detained in poor conditions. In a letter dated November 2, 2024, obtained by PUNCH Online on November 3, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasized that the children and other demonstrators were detained merely for peacefully exercising their rights.
SERAP expressed concern that the continued detention of these protesters could deter other citizens from exercising their rights. The organization warned that if the president does not act on their recommendations within 48 hours, they will pursue legal action against him. The letter, which was also sent to Dr. Matthew Gillett, Chair-Rapporteur of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, urged the president to direct the Attorney-General and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate the reported human rights violations and hold accountable those responsible.
Moreover, SERAP demanded that immediate medical care be provided for all detainees, particularly the minors whose health is reportedly deteriorating. They condemned the act of charging children and detaining them for their peaceful protests, asserting that such actions do not serve the “best interests of the child” and violate their right to education.
The organization highlighted the dire conditions in Nigeria’s prisons, asserting that the treatment of the detained protesters raises alarming concerns about their safety and well-being. “The ongoing arbitrary detention creates a climate of fear, discouraging citizens from exercising their human rights freely,” SERAP stated, adding that the situation demands urgent intervention.
In a related development, Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun arraigned the defendants on ten charges, including treason and incitement to mutiny. However, on November 1, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to the 76 protesters, imposing a total bail sum of ₦760 million and requiring two sureties for each defendant.
Responding to the situation, Fagbemi indicated his willingness to take over the matter from the IGP, stating his intention to drop the charges against the detained minors. “There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to make an informed decision,” he noted. He clarified that while he could not alter the court’s remand order, he had directed the police to transfer the case file to his office for further review.
As SERAP awaits action from the government, the case continues to spotlight significant concerns regarding human rights and the treatment of protesters in Nigeria.