The Northern Youths Assembly has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw all charges against minors accused of participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. In a statement released on Saturday in Kano, the group urged the President to facilitate the unconditional release of these boys to prevent further embarrassment to the Nigerian government and its criminal justice system, emphasizing the importance of fairness and the rule of law.
The plea comes after several minors, detained by police since August, collapsed in the Federal High Court in Abuja during their court appearance. They were brought from various police detention facilities, including the Intelligence Response Team.
The statement, signed by Assembly President Dr. Ali Idris Mohammed and Secretary General Dr. Garba Abdulhafiz, expressed deep concern over a viral video showing underage children appearing in court looking malnourished and exhausted. The minors are facing charges for allegedly raising foreign flags during protests that occurred nationwide from August 1 to 10, 2024.
“The event at the court further damages the dwindling integrity of the Nigerian judiciary and the criminal justice system,” the statement declared, describing the situation as “devastating, heartbreaking, and appalling.”
According to the Northern Youths Assembly, Nigerian law mandates that all criminal cases be presented before a court within 48 hours. They argued that any delays infringe on the fundamental rights of suspects, except under strict court orders. They criticized the ongoing detention of these minors as a blatant disregard for legal provisions, asserting that it threatens the future and well-being of the young individuals involved.
The Assembly highlighted that raising foreign flags during protests is a common practice worldwide, signifying public dissatisfaction with governmental policies. They condemned the current administration for transforming into an authoritarian regime, characterized by nepotism and a lack of regard for established laws.
The statement also referenced the recent protest led by Yoruba Nation advocate Mr. Sunday Igboho in London, where he openly expressed intentions to seek independence for the Yoruba people without facing any arrests. This contrasts sharply with the treatment of the young protesters in Nigeria.
After being detained for over 90 days, many of the minors have appeared in court visibly malnourished, with some collapsing due to hunger and illness. The Assembly condemned this treatment as an affront to humanity and the principles of democracy, stating that the continued detention of these young Nigerians for simply expressing their views is both unacceptable and deeply troubling.
The Assembly’s call to action emphasizes the need for the Nigerian government to uphold the rights and welfare of its citizens, particularly vulnerable youth who should not bear the brunt of political discontent.
