3rd Nov. 2024
PRESS RELEASE BY
Progressive Amalgamation of Northern Nigeria (PANN)
To All Media Organizations,
3 st Nov. 2024
PRESS RELEASE
PROSECUTION OF MINORS ALLEGED TO HAVE RAISED FOREIGN FLAGS DURING END BAD GOVERNANCE PROTEST IN NIGERIA: AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THE NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION. WE CALL FOR THE IMMEDIATE WITHDRAWAL OF ALL CHARGES AGAINST THOSE MINORS AND THEIR UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE
The National Leadership of the Progressive Amalgamation of Northern Nigeria (PANN), on behalf of our nineteen Northern States Chapters including Abuja, wishes to unequivocally express our deep dismay over the viral video showing underage children — appearing hungry, depressed, and malnourished — arraigned before the high court in Abuja.
These minors face charges for allegedly raising foreign flags during the recent “End Bad Governance” protest held from the 1st to 10th of August 2024 across the country.
We believe this spectacle in court not only tarnishes the credibility of the Nigerian judiciary and criminal justice system but also casts a disturbing shadow on the protection of children’s rights within the nation. The continued detention and trial of these helpless young individuals by federal authorities is, in our view, a gross violation of their fundamental rights and stands in stark disregard for the laws of the land, especially concerning the treatment of minors.
The Nigerian criminal law mandates that suspects must be presented before the court within 48 hours. To detain children for over 90 days on the alleged grounds of participating in a protest sends a troubling message and is an affront to human rights, democracy, and our criminal justice system. This prolonged detention appears aimed at punishing these young people and, by extension, discouraging lawful dissent.
The act of raising foreign flags by citizens during protests is globally recognized as a symbol of discontent with governance and reflects citizens’ right to free expression. PANN is concerned that this government’s response suggests an undemocratic shift, disregarding Nigeria’s foundational principles and promoting governance marked by authoritarian tendencies, favoritism, and discriminatory practices.
Furthermore, we observe with disappointment the selective application of the law. Only a few weeks ago, Yoruba Nation advocate Mr. Sunday Igboho organized a rally in London, even submitting a petition to the UK Prime Minister for the formation of a Yoruba nation. Yet, despite the serious implications of such actions, no arrests were made, nor were supporters exposed or harassed by Nigerian security agencies. In contrast, minors accused of raising foreign flags are treated as grave criminals, an act of selective justice that defies reason.
We are particularly troubled by reports that some of these minors appeared in court visibly weakened by hunger, with some collapsing from illness due to prolonged detention. Such treatment of children and young Nigerians — detained merely for participating in a national protest — is an undeniable affront to justice, humanity, and Nigeria’s democratic values.
We call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to immediately withdraw all charges against these minors and order their unconditional release. Such action will preserve the integrity of the Nigerian criminal justice system, reflect a commitment to fairness, and respect the principles of the rule of law and democracy. We implore the Attorney General of the Federation to advocate for the rights of these young Nigerians and to ensure justice prevails.
Progressive Amalgamation of Northern Nigeria (PANN)
Hon. Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
Director General Progressive Amalgamation of Northern Nigeria. 08060017934
