Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Muiz Banire criticized the police on Thursday over the arrest of minors linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Banire stated that the Nigeria Police Force made a mistake by charging the children to court. The minors were among 176 defendants facing charges of treason, terrorism, and arson. During a court hearing, four defendants, including two minors, collapsed, which led to widespread condemnation.
Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court imposed strict bail conditions and adjourned the case until January 24, ordering the defendants to remain in custody until they could meet the bail requirements. However, after public outrage and the collapse of two minors during the proceedings on November 1, President Bola Tinubu intervened and ordered the withdrawal of the charges against them.
The Child Rights Act mandates that minors under 18 be tried in juvenile courts, not in regular courts meant for adults.
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