Kehinde Fajobi
Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has voiced strong objections to the bail conditions imposed on the minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a post on his Facebook page, Kwankwaso expressed his shock regarding the treatment of the 67 minors who were recently arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja.
He described the conditions as a violation of fundamental human rights.
“I am shocked by the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja for alleged participation in the End Bad Governance Protest,” he stated.
He further noted that these children appear “malnourished and need medical attention” and have been subjected to a “cruel experience when they should be in school.”
Kwankwaso condemned the unusual number of minors being arraigned, saying it “negates every tenet of the protection of human rights and dignity.”
He emphasised the responsibility of leaders to protect the vulnerable, particularly children, women, the elderly, and those in need, adding, “the government should not be at the forefront of this violation.”
He also expressed dismay at the stringent bail conditions, calling it “absurd” that a teenager is required to source ₦10 million and a grade 15 civil servant faces similar demands for bail.
“The Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11, protects the dignity of every child and protects them from any physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment,” he asserted.
Kwankwaso urged the authorities to reassess the situation and release the minors back to their families.
“I request that the relevant authorities should immediately review their charges so that they can go back to their families and be responsible citizens,” he said.
He concluded by calling on the Federal Government to focus on addressing pressing issues like banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, unstable electricity, and harsh economic policies rather than incarcerating children.