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#EndBadGovernance Protests : CISLAC Says Detention of Minors Not Good for Nigeria’s Global Image, Urges Swift Release
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.
Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Information, Strategy, and Security, Ogundipe Olukayode, has dismissed claims that 25 lawmakers are planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress to an unnamed party.
According to Leadership, Olukayode described in a Tuesday statement that the report is “entirely false and without merit.”
“We categorically state that this claim is entirely false and without merit.“
During the recent leadership dispute within the Assembly, a similar report surfaced, suggesting that twenty-seven (27) members were preparing to leave the APC for the Labour Party.
“That claim was also unequivocally refuted, with members affirming their commitment to the party and confidence in resolving internal disagreements through established mechanisms,” he stated.
He emphasized that no APC lawmaker in the Assembly was contemplating defection, reiterating that as progressives, any challenges faced are resolved through democratic and lawful means.
Olukayode further assured that the APC leadership is actively addressing all internal concerns and outstanding issues will be resolved amicably.
He urged those spreading the rumours to desist from misleading the public, stressing that the Lagos Assembly remains focused on its legislative duties of enacting laws and motions that drive the state’s development.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has attending to a Fire resulting from a tanker accident outward Otedola bridge, Omole, Lagos at about 20:00 hours yesterday.
The 30 tonnes DAF Gas Truck with an unknown registration number is on it way navigating the Lagos-Ibadan expressway before an accident resulting in an ensuing explosion accompany with Fire balls in front of a Reedem Church.
The resultant Fire quickly spread to the church and adjoining bungalow building as well as four different brands of vehicles as it being mitigated from causing further damage.
According to Director, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, there has been no record of casualty with further update to follow.
A Civil Society Organisation, Gender Mobile Initiative and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have highlighted the urgent need for gender-responsive legislative reforms.
The call was made at the Women’s Policy Action Lab as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2025 in Abuja, according to a statement by the Communication Officer, Gender Mobile Initiative, Abubakar Abdullahi.
The meeting further reinforced the need for commitment by stakeholders to advance gender equality in Nigeria.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth, Olamujuwonlo Alao Akala, in his remark, assured that the House would activate recommendations made at the lab for necessary legislative action.
The lab, guided by legal experts and policymakers, analyzed and proposed amendments to key policies affecting women’s rights, including the VAPP Act, National Gender Policy, Child Rights Act and the Nigerian Labour Laws.
Stakeholders also emphasized accountability, inclusivity and effective implementation of government policies as they affect women.
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