The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has expressed strong condemnation over the detention and arraignment of several Nigerians, including minors, in an Abuja High Court on Friday.
The action was taken by Nigerian government against individuals protesting against hunger and poor governance, exercising their constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the National Coordinator of CNG, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the organization voiced its deep concern that many of the suspects, predominantly under the age of 18, had been held for over 90 days prior to their arraignment.
The group said that at least four of the affected children collapsed in the courtroom during the arraignment due to hunger and lack of medical attention while in custody.
“Unfortunately, the detention and arraignment of those frail, malnourished and hapless children have exposed the government as a desperate entity that is determined to de-market and embarrass Nigeria before the international community while presenting its credentials for medals in gross inhumanity.
“The continued detention and mistreatment of these minors is a gross violation of their basic rights, including the right to freedom of expression and assembly. CNG strongly condemns this abuse of power and the blatant disregard for the welfare and dignity of young citizens.
“The treatment these children are receiving highlights a troubling failure of state actors to prioritize the welfare and rights of its most vulnerable citizens, children, especially when their “crime” was to demand better governance and accountability,” the statement said.
The Northern group lamented that in a nation known for its resilience and potential, minors are subjected to starvation and harsh conditions while awaiting trial for advocating for their future.
“This is not only a violation of domestic law but also contravenes international human rights principles protecting children from harm and unlawful detention.
“Ideally, those children are supposed to be treated first as victims of state abuse and deprivation whose leaders have failed to provide the necessary leadership that can mold them into better members of the society as they are a direct outcome of our decayed system.
“It is shamefully despicable that criminals and bandits that are holding the entire country to ransom do not face such stringent consequences for their actions.
” Evidently, the Government has consistently proven that people’s problems and deteriorating situations are not part of its priority because of its disregard for the daily hardships of its citizens. Increasingly, frequent blackouts have become a norm across the country, severely impacting homes, businesses, and essential services which became worse with the recent blackout,” the statement said.
CNG raised concerns over the elimination of fuel subsidies and the continuous increase in fuel prices, which have driven the cost of living to unprecedented levels, making basic necessities even harder to afford even as it reiterated its call for the immediate release of the minors.
“Instead of prioritizing the welfare of the populace by providing feasible alternatives or relief, the government’s priorities appear to be detaining, abusing and crushing the vulnerable children that need support and protection to grow into responsible adults.
“Unfortunately, hunger and starvation have become weapons against defenseless and malnourished teenagers. It is clear that the government’s neglect of essential services and its catastrophic economic policies have strangulated millions in a state of uncertainty, desperation, and disillusionment in which these minors belong. These children must not be targeted as the scapegoat for expressing their frustrations as Nigerians have never gone through such dehumanizing and cruel policies that this administration promotes.
“The CNG calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all minors detained for participating in the protests. We demand that the government prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement over intimidation, especially with young citizens who represent the future of this nation.
“In the interim, we urge relevant agencies and civil society organizations to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to these detained children to mitigate further health risks. The protection of children is non-negotiable, and we implore the authorities to treat these young citizens with the compassion and respect they deserve,” the statement added.
