The Ministry of Women's Affairs has announced that, as provided by law, the judicial proceedings of the 52 children prosecuted for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest will be transferred to the juvenile court.
The ministry said plans to transfer their cases are underway and will soon be concluded along with the provision of social and psychological support.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on Saturday, the minister, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, visited the children in the Abuja detention center and interacted with them to identify and address their concerns.
“Communications are being made with relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and correctional institutions, to ensure that these children's cases are expedited and heard in juvenile courts as provided by law.
“Their well-being is being actively monitored and the ministry is collaborating with children's rights advocates to ensure that no child suffers undue harm, discrimination or mistreatment,” the statement read in part.
Last Friday, three minors and one adult were brought in to face charges related to the August #EndBadGovernance protest that collapsed before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Minors detained for protest
The defendants appeared malnourished and had reportedly been starved and mistreated while in detention.
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The minors are among 76 suspected #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arrested and detained by Nigerian police three months ago.
In August, the court remanded 76 people, including minors under 18, in custody for two months following a police request for more time to conduct further investigations.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in the arrest warrant application dated August 8, charged the detainees with “terrorism, treason, felony treason, arson and other terrorism-related offences.”
Newslodgereported that the IGP based the application on section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, section 35(1)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution and section 299 of the Act of Criminal Justice Administration. (ACJA), 2015.
The judicial incident sparked outrage among citizens, with many demanding the immediate release of the children and others arrested during the protest.
Civil society organizations and human rights activists criticized the police and the government for the arrest and detention of minors.
Minor cases under review
Speaking on this, the Ministry of Women Affairs said President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, to review the cases of the minors.
The ministry said it is working to provide psychological counseling to the children once they are released and accessible educational opportunities.
According to the ministry, Ms Sulaiman-Ibrahim discussed with authorities during her visit to the center how to ensure that the children receive proper care and are in excellent condition.
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He said: “Ensuring the rights of all children is paramount as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. Regardless of the circumstances, every child has the right to protection, dignity and a fair judicial process under the law.
“The Ministry is adopting a Whole of Society Approach (WoSA) to address youth crime. Through collaborative efforts with all relevant stakeholders, the goal is to strengthen existing systems and structures, focusing on juvenile justice system reform.
“Key initiatives will include reviewing laws to address youth crime and encouraging multi-sectoral participation to empower communities and authorities to prevent youth crime across Nigeria.”