The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has criticized the recent detention, court appearance, and alleged mistreatment of minors arrested in August for participating in #EndBadGovernance protests.
The organization appealed to President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of these young individuals.
The minors are among 76 people who appeared in court on Friday, facing charges related to the protests, which took place in response to issues including rising fuel prices and food costs. Thirty-two of the accused are aged between 14 and 17, and they face serious charges, including terrorism, attempted government overthrow, and alleged mutiny. Bail has been set at N10 million for 67 of the defendants.
CACOL, through a statement released on Saturday by its Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo, condemned what it described as the government’s failure to address the root issues fueling the protests.
“The protests have highlighted critical concerns about corruption, inequality, and systemic neglect,” the statement read. “Yet, a disturbing reality has emerged: many minors detained during these protests suffer from severe malnutrition and deprivation, reflecting a failure in governance where children are the ones bearing the brunt of societal issues.”
CACOL urged authorities to ensure that minors are held in remand homes under appropriate standards, rather than being detained alongside adults. They called for an investigation into any mistreatment of these youths and demanded disciplinary action against those responsible.
The organization also recommended psychological support for the minors following their release to help them recover from their experiences in detention. CACOL has further advocated for compensation for the alleged mistreatment suffered by the children, describing their case as a “haunting reminder of the urgent need for justice reform and policies prioritizing citizen welfare.”