The Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to release dozens of minors detained for allegedly participating in protests over the country’s escalating cost-of-living crisis. 

A total of 76 individuals – including 29 minors, aged 14 to 17 – were charged last week with ten serious offences, including treason, destruction of property, and public disturbance. The arrests followed August protests in which at least 20 people were killed and hundreds arrested while demonstrating for better economic opportunities and jobs.

Reports of young detainees collapsing in court due to exhaustion, after spending three months in custody without access to adequate nutrition, have sparked widespread condemnation. Civil society groups, including Amnesty International, have criticised the imprisonments, describing them as excessive crackdowns on freedom of assembly. 

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged President Bola Tinubu to release the minors within 48 hours and initiate an investigation into alleged rights violations.

The Nigerian police deny allegations of mistreatment, stating that medical assistance was provided. Despite this, Nigeria’s Minister of Justice has reportedly begun moves to dismiss charges against the protestors. 

The case is expected to go to trial by January if the charges are not dropped.

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