SERAP calls on Tinubu to release #EndBadGovernance protesters, investigate human rights violations

In an open letter dated November 2, 2024, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urgently appealed to President Bola Tinubu to leverage his leadership to facilitate the immediate and unconditional release of all protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations, particularly the 32 children who are reportedly malnourished and hungry.

SERAP argues that these individuals are being detained solely for exercising their human rights peacefully, and it has called on the President to instruct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to take swift action.

The organization has requested that Fagbemi and relevant law enforcement agencies investigate the severe human rights violations experienced by the detained protesters, identify those responsible, and ensure that justice is served.

The letter emphasizes the dire health conditions of the detainees, urging that immediate medical treatment be provided to all, especially the 32 children whose health is reportedly deteriorating.

SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, stated that prosecuting and detaining children for peaceful protests is not acting in the “best interests of the child,” highlighting that these children should be in school rather than suffering in detention.

According to SERAP, the treatment of the protesters reflects the broader issue of inadequate prison conditions in Nigeria, putting lives at risk.

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The organization noted that the continued arbitrary detention of these individuals fosters a climate of fear, discouraging others from exercising their rights.

The letter has been sent to various stakeholders, including Dr. Matthew Gillett, Chair-Rapporteur of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

It outlines SERAP’s expectations for action, stating that if no response is received within 48 days, the organization may pursue legal measures to compel compliance with its request.

SERAP expressed concern that the Nigerian authorities are using the criminal justice system as a weapon against the rights of these children and other protesters, infringing upon their rights to liberty, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly.

The organization asserted that charges brought against the protesters are neither necessary nor proportionate, particularly given the alarming conditions in which they are being held, which fall below international standards.

Reports indicate that a total of 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters, including 32 children, were recently arraigned in court on charges such as treason and inciting mutiny, stemming from protests against Nigeria’s economic challenges and poor governance.

Many of the detained individuals were arrested across various states, including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), and some experienced medical emergencies during their court appearance.

SERAP insists that the government has a duty to uphold the rights of Nigerian children and to provide a safe and empowering environment for young people to engage in political discourse.

The organization has called for urgent measures to ensure that the rights of all protesters are respected and that those responsible for any abuses in detention are held accountable.