Relief International Africa has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the degrading and inhuman treatment inflicted on the 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters, most of whom are children, standing trial before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Federal High Court. Our organization is particularly disturbed by reports of severe malnourishment among the detained children, some of whom reportedly collapsed in court today due to their frail condition.
The stringent bail condition of 10million Naira per detainee adds an excessive burden on the families of these young protesters and even more trouble on some of them who may not have parents or guardian, denying them access to due process and immediate release. Such conditions, coupled with the inhumane treatment of these children, violate their fundamental rights and do not align with the constitutional protections for freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.
Relief International Africa stands in solidarity with the affected families and the youth of Nigeria, urging that the authorities uphold basic human rights standards in handling cases of peaceful protest.
The organization calls on the court and relevant government agencies to review these bail terms urgently, provide necessary medical care for the detainees, and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights, especially those of minors.
Amb. Green Isaac (AFP, AIPM)
Executive Director,
Relief International Africa
green@reliefinternational.org.ng