Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have condemned the arraignment of 67 malnourished minors and other #EndBadGovernance protesters by the Nigeria Police Force at an Abuja Federal High Court.
The children, accused of participating in the hunger protest between August 1 and August 10, were reportedly detained for over three months before their arraignment, sparking widespread outrage.
Atiku Abubakar, in a statement on his personal X account, described the scene of malnourished children in court as “reminiscent of a Nazi concentration camp”, characterising it with people who were subjected to severe malnutrition, overcrowding, and abuse during World War II.
According to the former Vice President, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration failed to protect vulnerable children.
He cited Section 11 of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act, which guarantees children’s rights to dignity and protection from abuse, neglect, and inhumane treatment. “A nation can be assessed by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens,” he said, emphasising that children affected by harsh economic policies should have the right to peaceful protest.
In his reaction, also on his X account, Rabiu Kwankwaso expressed shock at the harsh conditions imposed on the minors, noting that the children were “obviously malnourished” and required medical attention rather than prosecution.
The former governor also condemned the stringent bail conditions set by the court, including a N10 million bail requirement and the involvement of a Grade 15 civil servant as a surety.
Kwankwaso argued that the treatment of these minors contravenes human rights principles, urging the authorities to review their charges and prioritise their welfare over punitive measures.
Both leaders called on the Federal Government to refocus its attention on critical national issues like insecurity, banditry, and economic hardship, rather than subjecting minors to what they termed “cruel and unnecessary punishment.”
Their separate posts follow torrent of calls for the children’s immediate release and an investigation into the conditions under which they were detained.
Babaji Usman Babaji is an investigative journalist with over four years of experience, renowned for his impactful reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and holding those in power accountable in Nigeria.
His career is distinguished by participation in numerous media training programs and conferences, which have honed his investigative and reporting skills. Babaji’s data-driven stories have made a significant impact, particularly in Northern Nigeria, shedding light on critical issues and driving meaningful change.
As a reporter under WikkiTimes’ Collaborative Media (CMEDIA) Project, Babaji has led several groundbreaking investigations. He was a 2022 fellow of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and a 2024 Media Foundation for West Africa DPI/DPG fellow. His contributions to accountability journalism earned him a Certificate of Recognition from Xchange Hama Media for impactful community work.
