A recent court session in Abuja, Nigeria, was marked by a distressing incident as a 15-year-old minor fainted before his trial for participating in a protest against poor governance.
This protest was part of the “End Bad Governance” movement, which saw numerous young people and minors taking to the streets across the country. The court appearance, attended by 76 defendants, was interrupted when the child collapsed just as Justice Obiora Egwuatu was about to read the charges, leading to an abrupt pause in proceedings. Several lawyers and courtroom officials rushed to assist the minor, who was then transported to the court’s clinic for medical care.
The protest, which led to the arrests, occurred in multiple cities, with participants calling for systemic reforms and an end to poor governance practices. Police detained many individuals involved, and reports indicate that the minors among them have spent over 80 days in police custody. During this time, advocates argue, they may not have received adequate nutrition or medical care.
This lack of care is believed to have contributed to the minor’s health emergency in court. Deji Adeyanju, one of the defense lawyers representing the minors, highlighted the harsh conditions in which the young detainees were held, calling their prolonged detention without trial a violation of their basic rights.
The incident has intensified debates about the role of the judiciary in upholding children’s rights in politically charged cases. Rights groups and defense attorneys argue that minor detainees should be shielded from the often harsh conditions of police custody and receive expedited hearings to prevent psychological and physical harm. The broader involvement of youth in political protests across African nations continues to challenge legal systems to find a balance between upholding law and order and protecting the rights and welfare.
