The recent arraignment of minors in Nigeria has sparked considerable controversy and condemnation, particularly from Peter Obi, the Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate.
This incident occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where seventy-six individuals, including minors, were brought to trial for their participation in the EndBadGovernance protest. The event was marked by distressing scenes, as one minor reportedly collapsed before the trial began.
Peter Obi criticized the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its handling of the situation. He expressed his concerns through a post on his X handle, stating: "I just watched the disturbing and condemnable scenes captured in a circulating video, showing 124 protesters—among them minors—appearing in court today as part of efforts to secure the enforcement of their fundamental rights."
He highlighted the poor condition of the minors, noting that they appeared "visibly malnourished and starved—a condition that should alarm the conscience of every citizen in our nation."
Obi called for a thorough investigation into the treatment of these minors, urging the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, the Police, the DSS, and the National Human Rights Commission to take action.
He emphasized the importance of respecting human dignity, even for suspects, and praised the presiding judge for halting the trial, which he believed saved Nigeria from further embarrassment on the global stage.
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