Outrage in Nigeria as young suspects collapse in court

In a troubling scene that has ignited outrage across Nigeria, dozens of young suspects faced a court hearing in Abuja on Friday. Many of the defendants, who had been detained for two months, appeared visibly malnourished, raising serious alarms among human rights advocates. During the proceedings, four young individuals collapsed, writhing in pain on the courtroom floor before being taken for urgent medical attention.

The group of 76 defendants, primarily comprising teenagers aged between 14 and 18, pleaded not guilty to a range of serious charges, including treason, felony, and inciting mutiny. Human rights organizations have decried the treatment of these young individuals, emphasizing that the conditions of their detention are both inhumane and unjust.

These arrests stem from significant anti-government protests that erupted in August, triggered by a deepening economic crisis in Nigeria. Demonstrators took to the streets to voice their frustrations over soaring living costs and widespread corruption. While the protests were largely peaceful, some instances of violence were reported, leading to clashes with security forces. Official reports indicate that at least seven people lost their lives during these confrontations, although human rights groups suggest the actual toll could be as high as 23. Additionally, nearly 700 individuals were arrested in connection with the unrest.

In light of the alarming courtroom events, Amnesty International issued a statement condemning the Nigerian authorities for their treatment of minors involved in the protests. They described the situation as “one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly” and called attention to the horror of detaining young individuals for merely protesting against hunger and corruption.

The Nigerian rights organization Enough is Enough also condemned the government’s actions, labeling the situation as “institutional child abuse.” They stated, “These teenagers have been remanded in prison for expressing their hunger. Their rightful place is in school, not behind bars. We demand their immediate release.”

Some defendants faced charges related to the display of Russian flags during the protests. Video footage showed a handful of protesters waving these flags and appealing to Russian President Vladimir Putin for support. This unusual display has added another layer of complexity to the charges against the protesters.

Two months earlier, a separate group of ten individuals appeared in court, accused of treason and conspiring with a British citizen to incite a military coup against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Like the current defendants, they also pleaded not guilty to the serious allegations.

Overall, 114 people arrested during the protests have been charged with treason. A judge has set bail for each defendant at 10 million naira (approximately $6,000 or £4,700), a significant sum that many will struggle to pay, further complicating their legal situation.

Nigeria is currently grappling with its most severe economic crisis in a generation, with inflation rates exceeding 30% and food prices skyrocketing. The economic turmoil has created an environment of frustration and despair among the populace, which has, in turn, fueled public demonstrations.

As the situation develops, activists and human rights organizations continue to call for the release of those unjustly detained and for reforms within the Nigerian justice system. The plight of these young protesters underscores a broader issue regarding the treatment of dissent in Nigeria and raises urgent questions about the government’s approach to human rights and civil liberties.