-Rights activist Femi Falana condemned the Nigerian government for prosecuting Nigerians, particularly minors, involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, calling the move disgraceful for the country.
-Falana highlighted that Nigerians’ rights to protest were protected under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, and criticized the government for allowing protesters, including minors, to face charges like treason.
-A total of 130 protesters, including 29 minors, were arraigned in court on charges of treason and other offenses, despite the Terrorism Prevention Act 2022 stating that protest is not a terrorist act.
-Falana pointed out the illegal arraignment of minors in the Federal High Court, as child offenders under 18 should be tried in a Family Court under the Child’s Rights Act. The minors were held in deplorable conditions, with some collapsing due to malnutrition and dehydration.
-Falana urged the government to stop charging protesters with grave offenses and instead ensure peaceful protests by providing adequate security, highlighting that such harsh actions would not deter Nigerians from demanding good governance.
Peoplesmind
