#EndBadGovernance: Released Minors Share Experiences of Hunger and Detention

Minors Describe Detention Ordeal

“We sometimes stayed for three days without food. And even when we were given food...”

Minor recounts wrongful arrest during #EndBadGovernance protests.

Minors aged 14-17, arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August, shared their harrowing experiences after President Bola Tinubu granted them pardon on November 4. They recounted being detained alongside hardened criminals and left without food for days.

The minors were among 76 individuals, including 32 minors, arraigned by the Inspector-General of Police on November 1 for alleged treason, inciting mutiny, and attempting to destabilize the government. During the court session, four visibly malnourished minors collapsed, sparking widespread condemnation from civil society and rights activists.

The public outcry led Minister of Information Mohammed Idris to announce President Tinubu's order for the immediate release of all involved minors. The President's directive also included investigating law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and prosecution.

Upon release, the minors received medical attention and counseling. The Kaduna State Government provided each minor with ₦100,000 and an Android phone, promising rehabilitation and empowerment programs. Vice President Kashim Shettima emphasized the President's humanitarian gesture, urging the minors to become responsible citizens.

The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed charges against the minors and other protesters, paving the way for their release. This development came after President Bola Tinubu granted them a pardon.

Following their release, Vice President Kashim Shettima handed the minors over to the governors of Kano and Kaduna states on November 5. Shettima emphasized that the decision was based on humanitarian grounds, despite evidence of alleged offenses, and presented an opportunity for the minors' personal reform.

The released minors recounted “hellish” conditions in detention, including extended periods without food. Medical personnel at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital assessed and treated the minors from Kano. They will be monitored for five days before being reunited with their families.

“We saw hell; we suffered a lot,” one of the minors, 15 years of age said.

“We sometimes stayed for three days without food. And even when we were given food, it was always not enough.

A minor detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests denied any involvement, stating he was arrested while heading to Kwana Hudu market in Ungoggo Local Government Area for menial work. He claimed complete innocence, emphasizing his need to work to make a living.

The minor described harrowing detention conditions, including prolonged darkness, which severely affected fellow detainees. This traumatic experience was evident when they appeared in court, with some minors collapsing due to malnutrition.

“We hardly saw sunlight in the place where we were kept, hence the reason why some of us could not see very well when we were brought to the court,” he said.

A minor arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests recounted being transferred from Kano to Abuja just a day after arrest, only to be detained alongside seasoned criminals.

“The food was nothing to write home about, they were inadequate and tasteless. They served us beans in the morning, rice at lunchtime and Gabza for dinner. Gabza is normally prepared for inmates due to their large number. So, we had to eat Gabza so as to keep body and soul moving,” Musa added.

A 13-year-old boy described his ordeal, stating he was arrested in Gadon Kaya, Gwale Local Government Area, and falsely accused of displaying the Russian flag, a claim he vehemently denied.

“I was arrested on August 15 and moved to Abuja the following day. We were kept at Abattoir SARS in Abuja. We were kept with hardened criminals for the number of days we were there,” he said.