The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has issued a powerful plea to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urging her to act on behalf of young detainees held in Abuja for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests. CISLAC expressed alarm at reports that minors, some under 15 years old, have been subjected to malnutrition and severe mistreatment in police custody.
The detained minors, who have been held since August, were protesting against Nigeria’s deteriorating security and economic conditions. This protest, however, has led to their detention in what CISLAC describes as “inhumane and punishing conditions,” causing public outcry and mounting pressure for their release.
In a statement released on Friday, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, condemned the Nigerian government’s treatment of these young protesters. “These children are not criminals,” Rafsanjani declared. “They are young Nigerians who were exercising their right to protest. Oluremi Tinubu must see these detainees as her own children and act urgently to end their suffering.”
Reports have emerged that the children, held in police cells since their arrest, were brought into the Federal High Court in Abuja in extremely weakened states, with some collapsing in the courtroom due to severe malnutrition. Witnesses in the courtroom described heartbreaking scenes as the minors lay on the floor, while lawyers and others attempted to revive them.
Images and videos of these scenes have circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism from both Nigerians and international human rights advocates. Many of these visuals depict the children in distress, highlighting the toll of their prolonged detention without adequate food, water, or medical attention.
CISLAC’s Rafsanjani stressed the negative impact this treatment has on Nigeria’s global reputation, stating, “It is disturbing and damaging to Nigeria’s image that young citizens are treated this way. The inhumane detention of these children must end immediately.”
He added, “Those responsible for this injustice against minors are the real criminals here, and urgent intervention is necessary. We call upon Oluremi Tinubu to address this crisis with the compassion of a mother.”
The children’s detention has raised legal and moral concerns, with many pointing to the fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights standards. “These children’s constitutional rights have been ignored,” Rafsanjani stated. “The government should protect its young citizens, not punish them for speaking out.”
CISLAC has appealed to several key bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to intervene and advocate for the minors’ rights. The organization also called on international entities such as UNICEF, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, and Save the Children Foundation to pressure the Nigerian government to release the detained children unconditionally.
“This kind of detention is unconscionable,” Rafsanjani emphasized. “We urge all responsible authorities to ensure the swift release of these minors and to hold accountable those who orchestrated this abuse.”
The call for intervention has also resonated with several local and international human rights advocates. They have highlighted that, under both Nigerian law and international conventions, minors have special protections that make their prolonged detention and reported maltreatment even more appalling.
CISLAC’s appeal to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, reflects the belief that her influence could prompt a swift response. “As a mother and a leader, we believe she can understand the gravity of this situation,” Rafsanjani said. “We are asking her to step in and ensure that these children are given justice.”
The organization also directed its appeal to President Bola Tinubu himself, calling for an immediate order to release the minors. CISLAC urged the President to intervene against those in government who are responsible for this unjust detention, including the Minister of Justice. “The President must show leadership by ensuring justice for these young Nigerians,” Rafsanjani declared.
