Tensions are running high in Nigeria after four young defendants collapsed in court during their initial hearing, following two months in detention for participating in anti-government protests. The courtroom scene, where the young men writhed in pain before receiving medical assistance, has sparked public outcry and renewed criticism of Nigeria’s justice system.
The young men, among 76 defendants brought before the court in Abuja, were arrested during widespread protests in August. Demonstrations erupted across the country in response to Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis, including skyrocketing food prices and inflation rates exceeding 30%. Although most of the protests were peaceful, clashes with security forces in some areas resulted in multiple fatalities. Police reported seven deaths, while rights groups claimed as many as 23 lives were lost.
Human rights activists are alarmed at the treatment of detainees, as at least a third of the defendants were reportedly between 14 and 18 years old. Activists argue that detaining minors for protesting economic hardship amounts to “institutional child abuse.” The advocacy group Enough is Enough called for their immediate release, stating, “These teenagers should be in school, not prison.”
Adding to the controversy, some defendants were accused of displaying Russian flags during the protests, calling on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin for assistance. Others face severe charges of treason and inciting mutiny, with authorities alleging ties to a plot to destabilize Nigeria.
Amnesty International condemned the arrests, emphasizing that prosecuting minors for protesting hunger and corruption violates their right to freedom of assembly. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, and a judge set bail at 10 million naira ($6,000) for each of the accused.
