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NHRC Condemns Police’s Arraignment Of Minors For Treason

Published

Monday, November 4, 2024 at 12:37 PM

Written by Brenda Izu

NHRC Condemns Police’s Arraignment Of Minors For Treason

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has unequivocally condemned the arraignment on treason charges of children and minors who reportedly took part in recent #nationwidehardship protests under the #EndBadGovernance movement.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NHRC criticized the arrest, detention, and arraignment of these minors by the Nigerian Police on allegations including treason and attempting to overthrow a legitimate government.

According to the commission, these actions blatantly violate multiple national, regional, and international legal standards.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, expressed serious concern over the police's handling of the situation, calling it an "excessive and inappropriate use of state power against citizens."

Ojukwu emphasized that the involvement of minors only exacerbates the situation, as their best interests appear to have been entirely disregarded.

He pointed out that these actions violate Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA), and several international agreements, such as the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

“These frameworks emphasize that children must be treated differently within the justice system, focusing on their best interests, protection, and rehabilitation, rather than subjecting them to severe punitive measures,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.

He criticized the trial court for imposing stringent bail conditions that the minors could not meet and postponing the case until January 2025, despite observing signs of malnutrition and ill health among the children.

“The judge's approach, along with the police's actions, raises serious questions about humanity, accountability, and the potential psychological harm inflicted on these minors,” he added.

The NHRC's primary concern is the potential damage such harsh treatment might cause to the children, warning that they could develop resentment toward society.

“If treated this way, our children may grow up harboring deep grudges, which could lead to contempt toward society in the future,” Dr. Ojukwu cautioned.

He called for immediate intervention to prevent children from facing charges like treason, which typically apply to adults accused of serious crimes against the state.

In a positive development, Dr. Ojukwu commended the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his intervention.

The Attorney General directed the police to forward the minors' case files to the Director of Public Prosecutions for review. “This action by the Attorney General is a positive step towards ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation of the charges, addressing the issue of grouping adults and children in the same case, the trial venue, and the bail conditions,” he remarked.

Edited By: Chinedu Eze

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NHRC Condemns Police’s Arraignment Of Minors For Treason

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has unequivocally condemned the arraignment on treason charges of children and minors who reportedly took part in recent #nationwidehardship protests under the #EndBadGovernance movement.

In a statement issued on Monday, the NHRC criticized the arrest, detention, and arraignment of these minors by the Nigerian Police on allegations including treason and attempting to overthrow a legitimate government.

According to the commission, these actions blatantly violate multiple national, regional, and international legal standards.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, expressed serious concern over the police's handling of the situation, calling it an "excessive and inappropriate use of state power against citizens."

Ojukwu emphasized that the involvement of minors only exacerbates the situation, as their best interests appear to have been entirely disregarded.

“These frameworks emphasize that children must be treated differently within the justice system, focusing on their best interests, protection, and rehabilitation, rather than subjecting them to severe punitive measures,” Dr. Ojukwu stated.

He criticized the trial court for imposing stringent bail conditions that the minors could not meet and postponing the case until January 2025, despite observing signs of malnutrition and ill health among the children.

“The judge's approach, along with the police's actions, raises serious questions about humanity, accountability, and the potential psychological harm inflicted on these minors,” he added.

The NHRC's primary concern is the potential damage such harsh treatment might cause to the children, warning that they could develop resentment toward society.

“If treated this way, our children may grow up harboring deep grudges, which could lead to contempt toward society in the future,” Dr. Ojukwu cautioned.

He called for immediate intervention to prevent children from facing charges like treason, which typically apply to adults accused of serious crimes against the state.

In a positive development, Dr. Ojukwu commended the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his intervention.

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