The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene for the immediate release of detained protesters, including 32 reportedly malnourished children, held in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests. SERAP urged the President to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, to secure the release of these individuals, emphasizing that their detention solely stems from the peaceful exercise of their human rights.
SERAP highlighted that the detainees, including children, are deprived of proper medical care and exposed to unhealthy conditions, exacerbating concerns about their wellbeing. In an open letter dated November 2, 2024, SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare pointed out that arresting and detaining minors violates their rights to education and dignity, noting that these children should be in school rather than in detention facilities.
The letter was also sent to Dr. Matthew Gillett, Chair of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. SERAP argued that such arbitrary detentions create a climate of fear and discourage citizens from exercising their rights, contributing to a broader chilling effect on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Nigeria.
SERAP warned that if its demands are not met within 48 hours, it may pursue legal actions to compel compliance. The organization further expressed concern that Nigerian authorities are increasingly using the criminal justice system to suppress fundamental freedoms.
In a detailed appeal, SERAP urged the government to prioritize children’s best interests, referencing international standards like the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. According to SERAP, Nigeria’s obligations under the convention include treating detained children with dignity and allowing only minimal and last-resort detention.
Reports indicate that 76 protesters, including children, have been in detention for nearly three months following their arrest during nationwide protests in August. The detainees face charges such as treason and incitement to mutiny, despite the protests’ original focus on issues like economic hardship and government spending.
