BREAKING: Nigerian Minors Facing Death Penalty Hospitalized After Malnutrition in Adult Detention Facility
By Okafor Joseph Afam
November 3, 2024
Reports have emerged that a group of underage detainees facing charges that carry the death penalty are now hospitalized in Abuja following severe illness linked to malnutrition and poor detention conditions. The minors, who were denied entry to Kuje Prison, were detained in an adult facility by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) unit in Abuja’s Apo area, a setting that has further endangered their health.
The 24 children, arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court on November 1, had previously been granted bail on stringent terms by Justice Obiora Egwuatu. However, only six were available for a delegation sent by the Take It Back Movement with food and clothing on Sunday, as sources revealed that around 20 of them had been hospitalized due to severe malnutrition.
One source disclosed, “The malnourished underage detainees were rejected by Kuje Prison, and the police kept them in adult facilities, leading to their deteriorating health. Twenty of these minors are now hospitalized in Abuja.”
These children have been in detention for over 90 days, accused of treason after participating in the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests that erupted in August—a movement sparked by Nigeria’s economic challenges, which have left millions struggling.
This treatment has ignited fierce criticism from human rights organizations, who accuse President Bola Tinubu’s administration of inhumane treatment of minors. Advocacy groups across Nigeria have issued statements demanding an immediate release of all protesters, particularly minors, and a review of the harsh bail terms imposed on them. They also urge a thorough investigation into the alleged maltreatment, including starvation and abuse, at various detention centers.
On Friday, SaharaReporters disclosed that Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, requested the case file of these detainees following reports that some of them collapsed in court. President Tinubu reportedly ordered a review of the treason charges, a case that has sparked national and international outrage.
In a statement, Fagbemi acknowledged the concerning conditions, emphasizing his intention to examine the details carefully. He has directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPPF) and instructed the DPPF to expedite proceedings, potentially bringing the adjourned hearing date forward.
