The Nigerian government on Friday has arraigned teenagers for treason over protests against hardship and bad governance in the country.
After over two months in detention, the federal government is arraigning dozens of the young protesters in court
The underage children had during the hardship protest called for the reversal of anti-people policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu.
Many of the detainees brought to Federal High Court Abuja on Friday look like minors, emaciated and starving
One reportedly collapsed and had to be quickly administered aid, forcing the presiding judge Obiora Egwuatu to rise abruptly
Many of them have been held for as long as 80 days without charge and are having their first day in court.
The Take-It-Back organization, alongside other civic groups, has condemned the government’s actions, labeling the charges as frivolous.
They argue that these young protesters, who sought to voice their concerns for a better Nigeria, should not be punished for exercising their rights.
In a statement issued on Friday through their X handle, the Take-It-Back movement demanded an immediate end to what they described as a charade, calling for the release of the detained minors and the dropping of all charges against them.
“Shameless government of @officialABAT presently arraigning underage children for treason after keeping them in detention for months.
These children face possible death sentence for participating in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. We demand immediate end to this charade,” it said.
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