A disturbing scene unfolded in an Abuja courtroom today when an undisclosed number of malnourished minors, reportedly detained for over three months following #EndBadGovernance protests, began to collapse, prompting the presiding judge to flee the courtroom.
Journalist Abiodun Sanusi, who was present, shared his experience on social media, describing the horrifying state of the detained children. “I am currently in court. Seeing how some of these young, malnourished, skeletal-looking children were rushed out of the courtroom as they were too weak to stand on their own,” Sanusi tweeted.
He recounted the heart-wrenching moment when one of the minors started foaming at the mouth, highlighting the dire physical toll of their prolonged detention.
Sanusi also noted that the minors eagerly consumed snacks and biscuits provided by concerned lawyers and attendees, emphasizing the desperate need for basic nutrition and humane treatment.
“The sight was quite emotional,” Sanusi wrote, questioning how the government, police, National Security Adviser, prison authorities, and even the judiciary could permit such “cruel treatment” of young children.
“At least 80% of Nigerian politicians are culpable for the hunger and deprivation in Nigeria. When will they be arrested, handcuffed, and imprisoned for economic and political sabotage?” he continued. “Nothing short of revolution can take Nigeria out of the grips of these Vagabonds In Power.”
The minors, who have all denied the charges, face accusations from the police of public disturbance, attempts to destabilize President Tinubu’s administration, and alleged destruction of public properties.
BREAKING: Abuja judge flee courtroom as malnourished minors detained for three months over #EndBadGovernance protests slump @YeleSowore @adeyanjudeji @AishaYesufu @obyezeks @ChidiOdinkalu @Princemoye1 @Jossy_Dannyking @PoliceNG pic.twitter.com/nrFhCa17aH
— Abiodun Sanusi (@AbiodunSanusi01) November 1, 2024
The sight has sparked outrage online and calls for accountability, as Human Rights Lawyer, Inibehe Effiong Warns and other Nigerians, question the treatment of children involved in peaceful protests and the broader implications for human rights under the current government.
I am currently in court. Seeing how some of these young malnourished skeletal-looking children were rushed out of the court room as they were too weak to stand on their own. pic.twitter.com/VRFGUYL48f
— Abiodun Sanusi (@AbiodunSanusi01) November 1, 2024
The sight was quite emotional. I just wonder how insensitive, wicked and evil the government, police, the NSA, the prison service, and even the judge could be, to subject these children to this cruel treatment. pic.twitter.com/e37o0uCpNc
— Abiodun Sanusi (@AbiodunSanusi01) November 1, 2024
