A 15-year-old boy, one of the 76 individuals set to be arraigned by the Nigerian Police Force over their participation in the recent EndBadGovernance protest, collapsed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The minor reportedly slumped just as Justice Obiora Egwuatu was about to read the charges against the defendants.
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The unexpected incident prompted Justice Egwuatu to halt the proceedings, retreating to his chambers while the young defendant received urgent assistance from lawyers present. The visibly frail boy was rushed to the court’s clinic, as his fellow defendants, mostly minors, broke down in tears, witnessing the scene.
Counsel for the defendants, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, expressed deep concern over the prolonged detention of the minors, revealing that many of them have been held in police custody for over 80 days. “These children have endured an extensive period in detention. This prolonged confinement has taken a toll on their health,” Adeyanju stated.
The 76 defendants, now facing a 10-count charge under case number FCH/ABJ/CS/503/2024, were reportedly apprehended in both Abuja and Kano during the protests. The police, represented by a legal team led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Lough, SAN, allege that the defendants, along with others still at large, acted in concert with the intent to destabilize Nigeria between July 31 and August 4.
According to the charge, the defendants are accused of conspiracy and treason, offenses deemed felonies under Sections 96 and 97 of the Penal Code. The proceedings are expected to continue once the minor’s health stabilizes.
