The Federal High Court has granted bail to 67 minors involved in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
The minors,on Thursday, all under 15 years old, were each granted bail at N10 million, with the condition that they present a surety who must be a civil servant.
The bail decision comes after a total of 76 minors were arraigned for participating in the demonstrations, which swept the nation from August 1 to August 10, driven by mounting economic challenges.
The minors were among hundreds detained by security forces following the protests that erupted in response to escalating inflation, rising fuel costs, and deteriorating living conditions.
Meanwhile, an additional 87 adult protesters from Kaduna State are undergoing arraignment on similar charges.
They face a ten-count charge, including allegations of treason and conspiracy to destabilize the country, which falls under section 96 and is punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code Act.
Courtroom observers noted the frail conditions of the detained minors, many of whom appeared visibly malnourished and weak.
Four minors were unable to stand and had to be assisted out of the courtroom as they lay on the floor in pain, prompting concerns about the conditions of their detention.
The 76 minors, along with adults, were arrested during coordinated protests across Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
Authorities charged them with offenses including treason, following accusations that the demonstrations were intended to incite public disorder.
Among the detained minors are Umar Musa, 15; Muhammadu Mustapha, 16; Ibrahim Rabiu, 16; Abubakar Abdullahi, 18; Amir Muhammed, 17; Umar Ali, 17; and Sadiq Sanusi, 15. The list includes protesters ranging from 14 to 27 years old, with most detainees hailing from northern states.
The recent spate of protests reflects growing public dissatisfaction as citizens struggle with an economic downturn that has led to increased poverty levels, unemployment, and daily hardship.
The government’s crackdown on demonstrators, particularly minors, has sparked widespread criticism from human rights advocates, who have called for their immediate release.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the high bail amount set for the minors, noting that many families affected by the economic downturn may struggle to meet the N10 million requirement.
Rights groups argue that the heavy-handed treatment of the minors infringes on their rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
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