Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reprimanded the federal government’s arraignment of malnourished minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
Atiku expressed outrage over the disturbing video of 76 detained protesters, including numerous minors, being arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted each child bail of N10 million.
“A disturbing video of malnourished children being arraigned before a Federal High Court on the orders of the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has been brought to my notice,” Atiku said on X (formerly Twitter).
“The horrible scene reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp reflects the low premium the current government places on the lives of the vulnerable, especially children.”
Atiku argued that the government’s actions violate the Child Rights Act, specifically Section 11, which guarantees children’s right to dignity. “Children…have every right to protest peacefully,” he insisted, criticizing the government for stifling even the youngest voices expressing discontent.
The minors had participated in #EndBadGovernance protests between August 1 and August 10, 2024. Their delayed arraignment suggests they endured harsh detention conditions, sparking concerns about their treatment.
“A nation can be assessed by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens…even underage children are not spared from the wickedness,” Atiku stressed, highlighting the need to reassess children’s rights within Nigeria’s judicial system.
