Calls for respect of citizens right and an end to harassment
With the Constitution and the Child Rights Act making it clear that minors are not to be treated like adults in cases where the law is violated, ActionAid Nigeria has condemned the recent unlawful detentions and harassment of peaceful protesters, including minors, by security agencies.
“These actions undermine democratic values and represent a troubling escalation in the suppression of citizens’ rights and free expression.”
In a statement signed by Andrew Mamedu, Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, it says “We are particularly concerned about reports surrounding the treatment of underaged Nigerians who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. In this case, there’s no evidence of these children being involved in the act of treason, yet they have been subjected to a reality most kids their age would never know in their lifetime. This shows the failure to uphold the Nigerian Child Rights Act, which guarantees children’s right to protection from harm and neglect.
“It is deeply troubling that in a democratic nation, peaceful protest, a fundamental human right enshrined in both Nigeria’s Constitution and international law continues to be suppressed with such ruthless disregard.
“Detaining and humiliating underaged protesters are a blatant contravention of the Nigerian Child Rights Act, which explicitly provides for children’s right to protection from harm, abuse, and neglect.
“This Act, ratified to ensure the dignity and welfare of children in Nigeria, is starkly violated by the government’s failure to protect, rather than punish, vulnerable young citizens seeking a voice against the hardships that threatens their future.
“As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Nigeria also agreed that minors should be given a shot at rehabilitation, not harsh judgment. The law even demands that minors be kept in separate facilities from adults and prioritises juvenile courts for their cases, aiming for rehabilitation, not punishment.
“But we saw how the court put a huge price tag on the freedom of these 67 minors granting them bail of ₦10 million each. These children now face a tough task of finding a surety to stand for them.
“Nigeria’s leadership is entrusted with the mandate to protect and serve its citizens. Addressing systemic issues of poverty, inequality, and insecurity should be the focus of state efforts. Misusing security operatives and other agencies to limit freedom of expression and intimidate citizens could have a lasting impact on Nigeria’s democratic standing and the trust of its people.
“ActionAid Nigeria calls for an immediate review of the circumstances under which these minor protesters were detained. We urge the swift release of those held and ask for a renewed commitment to the human rights principles that underpin a strong democracy. The right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, and we believe that every Nigerian deserves the freedom to voice their concerns in a safe environment.
“The government’s legitimacy is derived from the people. We encourage an approach that prioritizes dialogue and respect for democratic freedoms to build trust and foster progress for all Nigerians.”
