The recent appearance of underage protesters before the Abuja High Court has caused significant concern among Nigerians and human rights activists worldwide.
The minors were involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest that took place across Nigeria in August, aiming to demand better governance and accountability. This led to the arrest of numerous individuals, including minors, in different states.
Critics argue that the arraignment of these minors violates their rights and contradicts the country’s support for peaceful protests. Human rights organizations and concerned citizens continue to call for the release of the underage protesters and demand accountability from the authorities.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on the Northern region to address the issue of the arrested children who participated in the nationwide protest. This call for action follows concerns over the treatment of the underage protesters.
While Jigawa state was part of the protests, no underage protesters from the state were arraigned in court. The Chief Press Secretary to Jigawa State Governor confirmed this information.
The Jigawa State Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General stated that there were no protesters, including minors, in custody within or outside the state as of mid-September. He mentioned successful prosecution of individuals connected to the August 1, 2024 riot.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Jigawa Police Command also confirmed that no underage protesters were arrested during the protests in the state. He highlighted that Jigawa did not witness incidents where youths carried Russian flags, unlike some other states.
The #EndBadGovernance protest has drawn attention to critical issues in Nigeria, particularly in Jigawa State. Governor Bala Mohammed’s call to action underscores the importance of protecting children’s rights in the region.