Peter Obi urges government to investigate shocking detainee mistreatment, emphasizing constitutional rights and child welfare.(Photo by KOLA SULAIMON / AFP) (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
EPICSTORIAN — Peter Obi addressed Abuja High court Friday, highlighting severe concerns over mistreatment of 124 minors’ protesters detained in federal custody.
Obi expressed concern about allegedly confirmed footage circulating online that captured shocking scenes of 124 minors’ protesters including young adults in court, many of whom he said ‘appeared frail and visibly malnourished’.
He said: “The video shows children so weak they could hardly stand, with some fainting from apparent exhaustion and lack of proper nourishment” The conditions, Obi argued, “should alarm the conscience of every citizen.”
Obi explained that the alleged offence, participating in protests against governance issues impacting their livelihood, is a right protected under Nigeria’s democratic constitution.
He reminded the court that many in the current government once championed such freedoms while in opposition. “Our constitution,” Obi emphasised, “guarantees citizens the right to voice concerns over governance, and it presumes that suspects deserve dignity, even in detention.”
Obi praised the judge for pausing the trial, averting further global embarrassment for Nigeria’s human rights record.
His appeal, however, extended beyond the courtroom. Obi called on key government figures, including the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, the Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Human Rights Commission, to launch a thorough investigation into the reported mistreatment.
Unconditional Release of 124 Minors’ protesters Saves Image of Nigeria’s justice system
Such action, he asserted, is vital to prevent future violations, particularly against minors, within Nigeria’s justice system in order to protect letters of the constitution.
“This situation reflects on our commitment to human rights globally,” he concluded. “We must all be vigilant against any treatment that undermines the dignity of individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us.”
