The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw all charges against minors accused of participating in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
InfoStride News reports that 76 individuals, including 32 minors, were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Federal High Court on Friday, following their involvement in nationwide protests from August 1 to August 10.
The protests, spurred by economic hardship, fuel subsidy removal, and other government policies, saw Nigerians demanding improved governance.
Some protesters were subsequently arrested and charged with ten counts, including treason, intent to undermine Nigeria, and inciting mutiny by allegedly calling on the military to seize power. Justice Egwuatu granted bail to the accused, setting the amount at N10 million each, with two sureties.
The bail terms specify that one surety must be a level 15 public official and the other a parent of the defendants, with both required to present means of identification, letters of last promotion, letters of appointment, and verified addresses.
In response, NANS Senate Clerk Abdulyekinn Odunayo issued a statement, describing the bail conditions as “excessive and punitive.”
He argued that the terms were disproportionate to the alleged offenses and violated the defendants’ fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
NANS has urged President Tinubu to issue an order for the immediate and unconditional release of the detained minors, stating that such action would reflect the government’s commitment to human rights and stability.
“We seek the unconditional release of the detained protesters and urge the President to take swift action to address their demands for better governance.
We will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for justice,” the statement read.
NANS expressed solidarity with affected families and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of students and youths.
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