Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Citizens’ Liberties Committee has successfully secured the release of six minors arrested for participating in the “#EndBadGovernance” protest in Maiduguri, Borno state capital.
Barrister Alkali Askira disclosed this while briefing journalists in Maiduguri on Monday.
Despite the presidential directive to release all minors, the Borno government continued to detain them unconditionally.
Askira urged the Borno State Government to release the remaining five detainees, condemning their prolonged detention as illegal.
He emphasized that detaining people for over 100 days to satisfy a few individuals’ interests is unjust.
“We cannot continue detaining people just like that for over 100 days to satisfy a few individuals’ interests,” Askira said. “We urge Governor Babagana Umara Zulum to listen to reason and release the remaining detainees.”
Askira pointed out the government’s seeming double standard, questioning why Boko Haram insurgents who committed atrocities are pardoned while peaceful protesters are detained.
He stressed that detaining them would ruin their future, Nigeria’s progress, and have negative repercussions on the general population.
The detention has already taken a toll on the young men, with one missing university exams and another collapsing during court proceedings.
Askira commended the judge’s wisdom and fairness in releasing six defendants and appealed to the governor to intervene and discontinue the case.
The parents of the released minors have expressed heartfelt gratitude to Barrister Askira and the NBA for their unwavering support and efforts in securing their children’s freedom.
The NBA’s Citizens Liberties Committee remains committed to upholding justice and protecting the rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations like children.
Photo: Barr. Alkali Askira and other NBA members secured the release of six minors detained for the #EndBadGovernance protest in Borno.
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