•The released children protesters
A coalition of 16 Non-Government Organisation (NGOs), today called on the federal government to immediately issue a public apology and pay adequate compensation to the children.
The coalition in a signed joint statement expressed appreciation to the government for allowing reason to prevail by asking the court to discharge and discontinue the case against 32 children arrested and detained in connection with the #Endbadgovernance protest that broke out in August this year.
The detained children whose health has degenerated while in detention were part of 119 detained protesters who gained their freedom on November 5 after spending nearly 100 days in detention, reports Daily Independent.
The coalition averred that their release stands as a testament to the power of advocacy and campaigning, stating that without the collective voices of the Nigerian people and global actors raised both online and offline in condemnation of the federal government’s actions, this victory would not have been possible.
The statement read, “Be that as it may, we believe the actions taken so far by the government are not enough to atone for the irreparable damage, both physical and psychological, that these children have suffered in the course of their ordeal.
“Not only did they languish in detention for three long months during which time they were apparently starved and tortured, they were also wrongfully and maliciously accused of grievous crimes that they obviously did not commit.
“Also in the process of detention, Nigeria’s obligation and duty of care to protect children and minors as guaranteed by the Child Rights Act (2003) and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) was jettisoned. The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) requires States to protect children from abuse, discrimination, neglect, and exploitation; and ensure that parents and other caregivers treat children with dignity and respect among others.
“Similarly, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) acknowledges that every child has fundamental rights, including: The right to life, survival, and development; the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, or violence; the right to an education that allows them to reach their potential among others.”
The coalition lamented that not only were the children exposed to public ridicule and harm with pictures and videos of their arraignment making the rounds on traditional and social media, they were also detained in adult facilities despite being minors.
“All of these can constitute serious consequences for the children’s mental health both now and in the future. This is why we are calling on the Federal Government to immediately issue a public apology and pay adequate compensation to the children.
“We also demand immediate and comprehensive psycho-social evaluation and support for the children as well as adequate support to get them back to school.
“We similarly call on all the states of origin of the children to follow of with their physical and psychological welfare.
“We take cognizance of the federal government’s intention to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention and arraignment of the children with a view to sanction any erring officials.”
However, the coalition expressed a doubt on the ability of the federal government to carry out a thorough investigation when powerful officials of government may likely be indicted.
The coalition recommended an independent probe panel composed of civil society actors and representatives of professional bodies, NGOs, trade unions and other stakeholders to carry out the investigation.
Alleging that there are thousands of children languishing in prisons and other adult custodial facilities across the country, the coalition cited the case of Deborah Oshinowo Fornchor, a child who was committed to prison and released only after meeting bail conditions.
“We demand immediate freedom for Deborah Oshinowo Fornchor and all other Nigerian children who have been trapped in the web of Nigeria’s vicious criminal justice system. Sadly, many more protesters, including children, remain in prison across the country.
The coalition added, “We hereby also demand the dropping of charges and release of all #Endbadgovernance protesters still in detention in every government facility across the land. These include the 19 protesters, including 3 children, arraigned by the police at the Federal High Court in Maiduguri, Borno state’s capital on Monday 4 November 2024 as well as Adaramoye Michael Lenin and 10 others, who are due to appear before the Federal High Court Abuja on Friday 8 November 2024 for commencement of their trial for treason.
“All these protesters are charged for the same offense of terrorism and treason as the 119 released today. So we see no reason whatsoever why the federal government cannot discontinue the cases against them as well.
“In fact doing this will go a long way in lowering the built-up tension in the country today, fostering unity while restoring hope in the institutions of democracy,” the coalition added.
