Former Minister of Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to commence investigation into the sickly state of minors tried for treason for protesting against hunger.
Naijaonpoint reported that about 75 minors, between the ages of 12 to 15 were charged for treason by Nigeria Police at a Federal High Court in Abuja for participating in the August hunger protest.
On Friday, the videos of the minors in court trended on X platform. Human rights organizations and activists including Amnesty International; a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili and former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi condemned the trial of minors by the government for exercising their constitutional rights.
In a letter on his X handle, Pantami, a former minister under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari, called on Egbetokun to ensure the protection of the children in line with the Child Rights Act 2003.
Pantami wrote, “Dear Inspector General of Police, I am writing to bring to your attention a disturbing video I recently came across showing minors appearing in court in a visibly malnourished and sickly state. This is unacceptable in any decent society.
“As a compassionate society, it is our collective duty to protect the most vulnerable among us, particularly children. Ensuring their safety, well-being, and justice is not only a moral obligation but also a fundamental human right.
“In the Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11, it states that, Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be ‐ (a) subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment..”
He added, “I respectfully request that you investigate this matter urgently and take necessary actions to ensure the immediate care and protection of these children; identify and hold accountable those responsible for their condition; and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
“Protecting the weak and vulnerable is a cornerstone of justice, and I trust that your office, in collaboration with other institutions, will take this matter seriously.”