by FIDAFIDA Nigeria Demands Immediate Action to Protect the Rights of Detained Nigerian Children
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, condemns in its entirety the recent reports of children who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests from various states, being held in correctional facilities for a period exceeding Ninety (90) days. Their visibly malnourished appearance in court in addition to viral news reports of six (6) of these minors fainting in court has cast serious doubts on the adequacy of our legal system to handle juvenile cases.
These minors were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of treason, rather than being brought to Family Court within their jurisdiction in their respective states, as mandated by Nigerian law.
This inhumane treatment not only violates their fundamental human rights but also directly contradicts the provisions of the Child Rights Act/Law, which establishes a separate justice pathway for minors. Such treatment is deeply alarming and highlights the serious flaws in our juvenile justice system, it casts a shadow on Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its young citizens.
The prolonged detention of these minors raise critical questions about the ethical standards of our correctional facilities and judicial system badly
damaging Nigeria’s international image and reputation. Detaining and prosecuting minors in this manner signifies a clear disregard of their rights to legal protection and family support thereby increasing their risk of physical, psychological and emotional harm.
It is trite that arraigning children in adult courts, especially when they appear visibly malnourished, reflects poorly on our Judicial system and exposes systemic failures in handling juvenile cases.
FIDA Nigeria urgently calls upon all relevant authorities to release these minors immediately as they have been incarcerated for a long time, or ensure their transfer to family court as appropriate for juveniles for fair hearing. We earnestly urge Government agencies to ensure that these children receive immediate medical attention, proper care and nourishment in addition to every legal protection they are entitled to under the law.
The welfare of Nigerian children should be a priority for us all and not an afterthought! Our justice system must uphold its duty to treat all minors with compassion, dignity and respect.
FIDA Nigeria remains committed to its mandate of protecting, preserving and promoting the rights of women and children and shall continue to doggedly
advocate for the enforcement of these rights. Most importantly, we unequivocally demand for urgent reforms in justice pathways with respect to minors to forestall future violations of the rights of Nigerian children.
FOR: FIDA NIGERIA
Signed
Amina Suzanah Agbaje (Mrs.)
Country Vice/National President
FIDA Nigeria