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#EndBadGovernance Protests : CISLAC Says Detention of Minors Not Good for Nigeria’s Global Image, Urges Swift Release 

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The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has strongly condemned the detention and reported maltreatment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“It is disturbing and damaging to Nigeria’s global image to witness such treatment of young citizens who were only exercising their constitutional rights,” said CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani.

In a position statement  today, CISLAC called on First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu to intervene, urging her to see these young detainees as “her own children.”

CISLAC appealed to President Bola Tinubu to halt these actions by government officials, including the Minister of Justice, and to immediately order the release of the minors.

The organization further urged international bodies like UNICEF, the World Food Organization, the World Health Organization, and the Save the Children Foundation to join in condemning the incident and pressuring the Nigerian government for an unconditional release.

Said CISLAC: We expressed deep concern following reports that several detained children, some under the age of 15, collapsed due to malnutrition inside a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The minors have been held since August by the Nigerian police after participating in protests against worsening insecurity and deprivation in the country.

“The inhumane detention and maltreatment of these children must end. Anyone responsible for detaining these minors unjustly is the true criminal here, and this incident warrants urgent intervention.”

Images and videos from the courtroom, circulating widely on social media, depict the harrowing scenes of some minors lying on the floor as lawyers and others tried to revive them.

The incident occurred when the minors were brought to court from various police detention cells, where reports claim they were denied adequate food and medical care.

Sources allege that the prolonged detention and harsh conditions were intended to punish the minors, who have been accused of fighting the government despite the absence of credible evidence.

CISLAC called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take immediate action, advocating for the rights of the detained minors.

The organization further urged international bodies like UNICEF, the World Food Organization, the World Health Organization, and the Save the Children Foundation to join in condemning the incident and pressuring the Nigerian government for an unconditional release.

“Detaining these children under such appalling conditions is unconscionable,” said  Rafsanjani.

“We are appealing to all responsible authorities to ensure their swift release and hold accountable those who orchestrated their detention. This incident stands as a dark stain on our national commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights.”

The minors were initially detained following a police order, which cited alleged involvement in a supposed plot to destabilize the government.

However, CISLAC and other rights groups argue that their detention violates both national and international human rights standards.

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Police arrests ADC coordinator, two monarchs in Ebonyi land disputes killings

Suspected warlords from Amasiri community, on Jan 29, 2026, attacked Okporojor village and beheaded four persons, burnt houses, and destroyed other valuable property.

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The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the arrested of the Coordinator of Amasiri Development Centre (ADC) in Afikpo, Anya Baron-Ogbonnia, and two traditional rulers over their alleged involvement in the killing of four persons in Edda Local Government Area of the state.


The Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this.

Ukandu said that the arrest followed a joint operation involving the Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ukandu noted that two traditional rulers, Onyaidam Bassey and Godfrey Oko-Obia, from Amasiri in Afikpo LGA are also in their custody.


The police spokesperson disclosed that 10 people were earlier arrested in connection with the incident.

There has been a long standing land dispute between the people of Okporojor in Oso Edda community in Edda and their Amasiri neighbours in Afikpo LGA.

Suspected warlords from Amasiri community, on Jan 29, 2026, attacked Okporojor village and beheaded four persons, burnt houses, and destroyed other valuable property.

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IGP Egbetokun Posts AIG Tunji Disu to Force CID Annexe, Alagbon

Before the redeployment, AIG Disu headed the Special Protection Unit (SPU), where he oversaw the security of top government officials, diplomats, and other high-risk individuals.

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Photo of AIG Olatunji Rilwan Disu

The Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has approved the immediate redeployment of Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Annexe, Alagbon, Lagos.

The posting, which takes effect immediately, places AIG Disu at the helm of one of the Nigeria Police Force’s most strategic investigative formations, responsible for handling high-profile criminal investigations and sensitive national cases.

Before the redeployment, AIG Disu headed the Special Protection Unit (SPU), where he oversaw the security of top government officials, diplomats, and other high-risk individuals.

His appointment to the Alagbon Annexe is widely seen as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his operational competence and leadership experience.

A seasoned police officer, Disu has previously served as Commissioner of Police in key commands, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command and the Rivers State Command, where he was credited with firm command leadership and operational effectiveness.

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Wike, FCT workers end industrial squabbles

Following the resolution, all JUAC members and affiliates of the NLC and TUC working in the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) have been directed to resume work immediately in the interest of industrial peace.

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The industrial action embarked upon by workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been officially called off following a breakthrough agreement reached between the FCT Administration and organised labour after an overnight reconciliatory meeting with the Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike.

Organised Labour, under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), announced the decision in a joint circular dated February 3, 2026.

The meeting, convened at the instance of the Chairman, Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi, began at about 11:45 p.m. on Monday and ended at 3:51 a.m. on Tuesday, with labour leaders describing the discussions as extensive and frank, leading to the amicable resolution of all grievances raised by members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC).

Following the resolution, all JUAC members and affiliates of the NLC and TUC working in the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory (MFCT) have been directed to resume work immediately in the interest of industrial peace.

The minister also assured workers of mutual respect and continued engagement, while both parties agreed that no worker would be victimised for participating in the strike, and that all pending cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) relating to the dispute would be withdrawn.

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