Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has spoken out against the treatment of young protesters recently arraigned in court on treason charges following their involvement in #EndBadGovernance protests. In a video that surfaced from the federal high court in Abuja, several children, visibly weak and malnourished, reportedly fainted during the hearing. The minors have allegedly been in detention since August, raising public concern about their condition.
Reacting on social media, Obi expressed dismay, describing the scene as a grave human rights issue and called for suspects, especially minors, to be treated with dignity. He pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution upholds the right to peaceful protest and that those detained should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. He further commended the judge for halting the trial to prevent further embarrassment on the global stage.
Obi also appealed to key government authorities, including the Attorney General and the National Human Rights Commission, to investigate the children’s treatment. He emphasized that respecting human dignity is crucial for Nigeria’s standing as a democratic nation within the international community.