Tinubu Directs Attorney General to Examine Cases of Detained #EndBadGovernance Minors

The Minister of Women Affairs made a personal midnight visit to the detained minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, directly engaging with the children.Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in a statement released late on Saturday, November 2, 2024, detailed her visit to the facility where the children are being held. ...(CONTINUE READING)

During her time there, she provided comfort, listened to their concerns, and assured them of her commitment to their well-being.Last week, police charged at least 52 minors with treason due to their actions during nationwide protests against hunger and hardship.

This led to widespread outrage over their detention and subsequent court appearances, with reports that some children fainted in court due to malnutrition.Following her visit, Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed deep concern for the 52 children, recognizing the public’s worries about their treatment, safety, and rights.

She stated that her ministry is taking active measures to address these concerns, affirming that every child’s rights are paramount under Nigeria’s Constitution, the Child Rights Act, and international agreements.She emphasized that every child deserves protection, dignity, and a fair legal process, regardless of their circumstances. Sulaiman-Ibrahim also mentioned that she has engaged with relevant authorities to ensure the children receive proper care and that their rights are upheld.“Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, and correctional facilities to expedite the children’s cases and ensure they are handled in juvenile courts, as required by law,” she said.

“We are closely monitoring their welfare and collaborating with child rights advocates to prevent any form of harm or discrimination.”Plans are being made to work with child protection services to provide psychological counseling, social support, and rehabilitation once the children are released. The ministry is also exploring educational opportunities to aid the children’s development beyond this challenging experience.

To address public concerns, the President has instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to quickly review the cases of these minors. The ministry is confident that justice will be served, aligning with Nigeria’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and child protection principles.Additionally, the ministry is implementing a Whole-of-Society Approach (WoSA) to tackle juvenile delinquency.

This includes collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen existing systems and reform the juvenile justice framework.Key initiatives will focus on updating laws related to juvenile delinquency and promoting multi-sectoral engagement to empower communities and authorities to prevent such issues throughout Nigeria. The ministry reassured the public that it will continue advocating for the rights of these children and strive for a just outcome.“Ensuring the rights of all children is a top priority, and every effort will be made to guarantee their safety, welfare, and justice,” the statement concluded.