Members of the civil society across Nigeria has called for immediate release and rehabilitation of all the detained children being prosecuted for their involvement in protests against bad governance.
The call was made in a statement signed by 25 civil society groups.
The civil society said it was outraged by the sordid spectacle of sick and malnourished children fainting and slumping in the open court, being among a significant number of children arrested and held in prolonged detention, particularly under inhumane conditions.
They insisted that the children being arraigned and tried alongside adults violates their rights and legal protections as minors.
“We note that this reflects severe failures in law enforcement and an alarming disregard for child rights under both local and international laws. The actions of the government, particularly in using counter-terrorism laws to suppress dissent and freedom of expression, have raised critical concerns about the safeguarding of vulnerable populations.
“We are deeply concerned that such a high number of children could be arrested and detained without just cause, leading to severe human rights violations.
“Detention facilities are grossly inadequate, subjecting children to abuse and malnutrition. It is scandalous that children are being arraigned and tried alongside adults, which violates their rights and legal protections as minors,” the statement read.
The civil society also called on government to urgently reassess and correct its approach to law enforcement, prioritizing the well-being and rights of Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
“The current government has proved itself beyond doubt to be misusing counter-terrorism laws as tools for repressing political dissent, undermining democratic freedoms.
“The situation demands urgent attention and action from government authorities, civil society, and the international community. Protecting the well-being of children and rehabilitating those affected should be a priority, as these actions reflect a commitment to human rights, justice, and the essence of a democratic society.
“The visible suffering of these children, particularly those collapsing in court due to malnutrition, raises profound ethical concerns about the state’s treatment of its youth.
“They should be released immediately, provided with rehabilitation support, and reintegrated into educational systems.
“The government must recommit to fulfilling its obligations under local and international human rights laws to protect children and ensure laws are applied justly and fairly.
“As citizens and civic actors, we must remain vigilant, to tirelessly, and vigorously advocate for the rights of children, urging the government to uphold democratic principles and human rights.”
The statement was signed by Conscience for Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution (CHRCR), Lokoja Kogi State; RULAAC, Lagos; One Love Foundation, Edo; Nde Oduko Foundation, Ebonyi; Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative; Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP), Lagos; Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Abia; Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Abia; Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Lagos; Initiative for Public Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria (IPSSEDNETWORK), Enugu; Grassroots Development Monitoring and Advocacy Centre; Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD); Justice for Peace and Development Initiative (JPDI); Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria (CJNN); Global Rights Foundation for Peace and Human Rights, River State; Initiative for Gender Equality and Advancement (IGEA ) Edo state, and Movement for Improved Welfare for Nigeria Police Force (miwNPF).
Other civil societies are: Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (CCHR); Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance (CACOBAG); Centre for People’s Defence (CPD); Gani Fawehinmi Movement for a New Nigeria (GFMNN); Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF); Bauchi Human Rights Network, Bauchi; Center for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Aba, Abia State; and Victoria Peace Foundation (Partnering for Justice and Peace)
