Straightnews
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has frowned at the Court, Nigerian Government arraigned for trial of children who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests from various states.
FIDA also picked holes over the detention of the minors in different correctional facilities for a period exceeding 90 days, saying their unkempt appearance in court in addition to viral news reports of fainting in court has cast serious doubts on the adequacy of the country’s legal system to handle juvenile cases.
Straightnews had reported how protesters who were arrested during the August 1 to August 10 #EndBadGovernance demonstration were brought to a Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday.
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While four of them, including two minors slumped, and were taken to hospital, 114 protesters of them were granted N10 million bail each with two sureties each in like sum.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of Federal High Court, Abuja admitted them to bail after hearing the defence lawyers’ application and the prosecution’s submission.
Videos of minors among the suspects have triggered outrage among Nigerians. Human rights activists, civil society groups, politicians, social commentators are among those who have criticised the Bola Tinubu administration over the issue.
However, FIDA grimaced at the Federal Government’s action, saying that the minors should have been 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,’’ FIDA remarked.
According to the body, ‘‘The prolonged detention of the minors raises 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 has, therefore, called on 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.’’
A/G Seeks transfer files from police
The Federal Government has intervened in the case of #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arraigned in court.
In a statement on Friday night, Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said he had directed a transfer of the case file from the police.
He added that the process to bring the adjournment forward had commenced.
“It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the #Endbadgovernance violent protest in court for various offences including treason. There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me take an informed decision.”
“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January. It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January. I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the casefile to my office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd November, 2024.
“I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date.
The case was subsequently adjourned to January 2025.
