By Fatima Saka
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has criticized the Nigerian Police and judiciary over the arraignment of children on treason charges following their involvement in #EndBadGovernance protests.
NHRC Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu highlighted that these actions violate multiple legal protections for children, both locally under Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and internationally, through instruments like the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
Dr. Ojukwu, stated this in a release signed by Obinna Nwakonye, Director Corporate Affairs and External Linkages Department, NHRC. over the weekend noted that the action of the Nigeria Police has raised significant concerns among senior lawyers and legal experts, the human rights Community, development partners, sister national human rights institutions and well meaning Nigerians as it is widely considered as an excessive and inappropriate use of State Institutions against Citizens and it is even worse when the victims are children and minors whose best interest were not considered at all in line with the law.
Dr. Ojukwu expressed concern about the severe bail conditions imposed by the court, which he described as “draconian” and unsuited for minors.
He emphasized that children should be handled separately from adults within the justice system, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
The NHRC argued that charging minors with treason, an offense with severe consequences, could lead to long-term psychological harm and potential resentment toward society.
The NHRC acknowledged the intervention by Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, who requested a review of the case files for the minors, considering factors such as the propriety of the charges, treatment, and bail conditions. This intervention is seen as a positive step toward ensuring fairness and aligning with the legal rights of children in conflict with the law.
The NHRC reiterated its commitment to upholding children’s rights, advocating for reforms within Nigeria’s juvenile justice system, and calling for a humane, legally consistent approach to minors involved in protests.
