A disturbing incident unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday as underage protesters associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement collapsed due to alleged hunger and maltreatment.
The minors, detained since August, were brought to court from various police detention cells. Sources claim the teenagers fainted due to starvation and poor conditions.
“A couple of them fainted inside the courtroom because of maltreatment, they have eaten for some days,” a source told SaharaReporters, accusing the authorities of weaponising hunger to torture the protesters for committing no offence other than exercising their constitutional rights.
The #EndBadGovernance protests began in August, targeting President Bola Tinubu’s policies amid rising insecurity and economic hardship. Authorities have been accused of suppressing dissenting voices.
A total of 76 protesters, including 32 minors, have been held in prison custody for months. Justice Emeka Nwite’s decision to grant an ex-parte application allowing 60-day detention has sparked widespread criticism.
The Network of Abuja Left Groups has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the protesters. Human rights organizations have condemned the government’s actions.
The incident highlights concerns about police brutality and human rights violations in Nigeria. International attention is drawn to the peaceful struggle of the Nigerian people against economic distress and systemic failures.
The collapsed protesters were part of a group of 13 brought from the Intelligence Response Team unit. Others were transferred from various Abuja divisions.
Images and videos show the teenagers writhing on the courtroom floor, with fellow detainees attempting to assist. A lawyer was seen trying to resuscitate one of the collapsed protesters.
The #EndBadGovernance movement represents a united, peaceful action across ethnic, religious, and partisan divides. Demonstrators demand change and accountability from the government.
The incident has sparked outrage, with calls for reform and accountability growing louder.
