In a statement on Wednesday, Amnesty International called for the immediate release of dozens of minors unlawfully detained across the country for merely participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests between August 1-10.
The organisation stated, “In the FCT, 22 minors face dreadful 60 days behind bars, without safeguards for their rights.
“In Katsina,12 children under 16-years-old are now facing an unfair trial. Many of the children ended up in detention for just being on the streets during the protests. Children with their whole lives ahead of them are now at the risk of being tried on trumped up charges.”
It added, “Our findings since the 1-10 Aug. #EndBadGovernance protests show safety concerns arising from the authorities’ treatment of children during arrest and in detention, as well as total denial of their legal rights.”
During the protests, which took place between August 1-10, over 23 deaths were recorded as Nigerian security operatives cracked down on protesters, firing live rounds at them.
However, Nigerian police have denied deploying lethal munitions against protesters, despite footage showing them opening fire on the demonstrators.
