Nigeria: Teenagers Detained for Protesting Against Hunger, Face Charges

How can children, looking frail and malnourished, possibly pose a threat to national security or attempt to overthrow the president?

The police’s actions have sparked outrage, with many demanding answers.

By David Oletu (DCM)

‘The Ill-Fated Children’ short story (fiction) by David Oletu, comes into play.

Nigeria: Teenagers Detained for Protesting Against Hunger

Do these teenagers worry about spending their lives in prison? No!

Their basic needs are unmet – food and shelter.

This raises other pressing questions: Where are their parents? Why must they go hungry despite having families?

While the government bears some responsibility, primary accountability lies with their families.

Recently, over 20 Nigerian teenagers (ages 12, 13, 14, 15 etc.) were arrested,

detained, and charged for protesting against hunger.

Specifically, they were accused of:

1. Flying another country’s flag during the protest
2. Allegedly seeking to overthrow the President

The teens were transported from Kano to Abuja’s Federal High Court for judgment.

After 93 days in detention, they were granted bail with stringent conditions:

Bail Conditions:

1. ₦10 million (approximately $26,000) each
2. Two sureties:

    – One civil servant

    – One family member (parent or sibling)

3. Civil servants must provide:

    – Employment letter

    – Last promotion letter

    – 2 passports

    – Valid ID

4. Valid means of identification

Nigeria: Teenagers Detained for Protesting Against Hunger, Face Charges

The recent judgment against the Nigerian teenagers has left many stunned and questioning the justice system.

These young individuals were arrested and charged with treason for protesting against hunger and economic hardship.

The harsh conditions of their detention have raised concerns about the treatment and living conditions of minors in custody.

Reports indicate that the teenagers were malnourished and unkempt, and some even collapsed in court, requiring immediate medical attention.

This is heartbreaking, considering they were protesting against hunger and economic hardship in the first place.

According to Marshal Abubakar, the Counsel to the Protesters,

“Some of them who were looking quite malnourished and very sick started slumping in court.

We had to rush some of these children to the clinic within the facility of the court for them to be resuscitated.”

The prolonged detention of these children, exceeding the 48-hour limit stipulated by law, also raises serious concerns.

How can children, looking frail and malnourished, possibly pose a threat to national security or attempt to overthrow the president?

The police’s actions have sparked outrage, with many demanding answers.

The judgment renders the law and authority oblivious to the harsh reality: a group of starving children crying out for sustenance and support.

Imposing such severe penalties only highlights the callousness of those in power,

exposing their startling indifference to the most pressing issues.

Significantly, the judgment against the teenagers resonates deeply with me,

echoing the themes of my fiction piece, ‘The Ill-Fated Children’ The Ill-Fated Children – Diademng

This story explores the weight of responsibility that parents and governments bear towards vulnerable children.

The teenagers’ plight serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many young people in our society today.

These children, driven by desperation, are not considering the consequences of their actions; they’re simply fighting to survive.

It’s heartbreaking to think that they could easily be lured into terrorism, banditry, or other crimes as a means to escape their poverty.

Yet, they chose to protest against hunger, and the authorities responded with detention,

further harsh treatment, and a hefty 10-million-naira bail.

Nigeria: Teenagers Detained for Protesting Against Hunger, Face Charges

Do these teenagers worry about spending their lives in prison?

No!

Their basic needs are unmet – food and shelter.

This raises other pressing questions:

Where are their parents? Why must they go hungry despite having families?

While the government bears some responsibility, primary accountability lies with their families.

The government’s response, however, was woefully inadequate, highlighting our collective insensitivity.

Instead of protecting the minors’ rights, they exacerbated the issue.

Mark 10:43-44 KJV

[43] But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: [44] and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mrk.10.43-44.KJV

As I wrote in ‘The Ill-Fated Children’:

‘If the root causes of crime aren’t addressed, more bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers will emerge.

Prison yard will swell, becoming a nation of its own, filled with myriads of citizens who will ultimately become the government’s responsibility.’

The thoughts and actions of children should not be taken lightly.

When hunger sets in, they may act impulsively, without reasoning.

Similarly, when parents neglect their duties, their children may seek happiness in destructive ways.

Starving innocent children is an unjustifiable tragedy that transcends legalities; it’s a fundamental affront to our shared humanity.

Children, being society’s most vulnerable, deserve protection.

Denying them food, care, and basic dignity is inhumane.

Parents and families must take full responsibility for their children’s well-being.

Simultaneously, the government must prioritize protecting children’s rights, ensuring their basic needs are met.

Also Read: The Ill-Fated Children – Diademng

Nigeria: Teenagers Detained for Protesting Against Hunger, Face Charges