By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the Federal Government’s arraignment of minors in court for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a statement issued by the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the Forum expressed shock and dismay at the government’s actions, describing the trial as “a show of shame” and an instance of “gross and disturbing official high-handedness.”

The ACF noted that the accused minors were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of treason following their participation in the August 2024 protests.

“The trial is crass, gross, and as disturbing as can be,” said Muhammad-Baba. He criticized the presiding judge’s departure from the courtroom when several under-aged detainees reportedly collapsed from hunger and stress. The ACF argued that these young citizens are victims of a flawed criminal justice system, subjected to “mindless bureaucracy.”

Expressing further concern, the Forum highlighted the stringent bail conditions, including a demand for N10 million each and sureties who must be senior government officials. “It’s unimaginable that these citizens from the lower rungs of society would be asked to provide sureties at such levels,” the statement noted, calling it “an assault on common sense and an example of reckless power.”

The ACF also expressed concern about the international impact of this trial, noting that the case paints the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a negative light. “The naked show of power intended to intimidate and suppress citizens’ rights to protest is evident,” the Forum stated, adding that peaceful protest is an inalienable right guaranteed by the constitution.

The ACF demanded that the Federal Government:

Halt the detention and trial of the minors immediately, releasing them back to their families.

Investigate the extended detention of these individuals, held beyond the constitutional limit of 24 hours.

Provide financial compensation for the wrongful three-month detention.

Arrange for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counseling for the minors.

Re-evaluate its approach to processing protests in alignment with constitutional rights and international best practices.

The Forum criticized the government’s “callous abuse of power” and urged that the detained minors, described as “harmless, impoverished, and malnourished,” be treated with dignity, noting that the government should focus on improving their living standards instead.

The ACF joined other Nigerian and international human rights groups in condemning the trial, likening it to authoritarian tactics meant to silence citizens.