In a disturbing scene at an Abuja High Court, a young boy around 11 years old collapsed while being arraigned with several other children for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The children, about 12 in total, were brought into court on Friday, November 1, and placed in the dock to face charges. Soon after, the boy, whose name has not been released, slumped unexpectedly.
Eyewitnesses report that other children in the dock rushed to help him as no immediate medical support was available. A post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) suggested that malnutrition may have caused the boy to collapse.
Observers, including some lawyers in the courtroom, were visibly shocked by the sight of children in court for political protests. One lawyer was overheard questioning why such young individuals were involved in legal proceedings, especially under such tense conditions.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
BREAKING: Abuja judge flee courtroom as malnourished minors detained for three months over #EndBadGovernance protests slump @YeleSowore @adeyanjudeji @AishaYesufu @obyezeks @ChidiOdinkalu @Princemoye1 @Jossy_Dannyking @PoliceNG pic.twitter.com/nrFhCa17aH
— Abiodun Sanusi (@AbiodunSanusi01) November 1, 2024
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which began in August, have drawn widespread attention and led to the arrests of many, including these young participants.
Activists and human rights groups have raised concerns about how the children have been treated in detention, with some reportedly held for extended periods without trial. Calls for better treatment and protection for minors in custody have grown louder, particularly in light of Friday’s incident.
