To: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The recent nationwide protests against bad governance in Nigeria, particularly those occurring in August 2024, have exposed a disturbing issue: the unlawful arrest and treatment of minors. We call for immediate action from the Nigerian government, particularly the Office of the President H.E Bola AhmedTinubu,National assembly and Attorney General of the Federation , to address these violations of the Child Rights Act and the Nigerian Constitution.BACKGROUND:During the protests, numerous minors were detained and subsequently arraigned in court, violating the Child Rights Act (2003), which clearly states in Section 1 that every child is entitled to fundamental rights, including protection from discrimination and abuse. Section 14(2) asserts that every child has a right to maintenance by their parent or guardian according to their means and can enforce this right in family court.Furthermore, Section 17(1) of the Nigerian Constitution mandates that “the State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that… children are protected against all forms of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.” Section 22 emphasizes that the treatment of the child must prioritize their best interests, prohibiting any form of unfair discrimination.The arrest and detention of minors also contravene Section 34 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to dignity and freedom from torture. Additionally, the Child Rights Act prohibits the detention of children except as a last resort and mandates separate detention facilities for minors.Reports indicate that minors in correctional centers experience cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, including torture, poor living conditions, food and inadequate medical care. These conditions violate international human rights standards and contradict Section 13 of the Child Rights Act, which emphasizes the right of every child to be treated with dignity and respect, free from torture and arbitrary arrest.NEGATIVE EFFECT OF THE ARREST:The illegal arrest and treatment of these minors have far-reaching consequences:1. Psychological Trauma: Detention and mistreatment can result in lasting psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.2. Educational Disruption: Incarceration severely interrupts a child’s education, hindering their development and future opportunities.3. Social Stigmatization: Arrested minors may face stigma within their communities, affecting their social relationships and integration.4. Violation of Rights: These actions set a dangerous precedent regarding the treatment of children in Nigeria, undermining human rights and the rule of law.5. Increased Recidivism: Detention centers often lack adequate support, leading to higher rates of re-offending.CALL TO ACTION:We urge the Nigerian government toi. Immediately review the cases of all minors arrested during the protests.ii. Ensure the release of these minors and provide necessary support and rehabilitation.iii. Implement measures to prevent such violations in the future, including training law enforcement on the rights of children as outlined in the Child Rights Act and Nigerian Constitution.iv. Conduct an independent investigation into the treatment of these minors while in custody, holding accountable those responsible for any abuse or neglect.v. Investigate allegations of human rights abuses in correctional centers.vi. Provide adequate medical care, education, and rehabilitation programs to affected children.The eyes of the nation are upon us, and it is crucial to uphold the rights and dignity of our children.We expect prompt action from the government to rectify this grave injustice and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights of all children.The Nigeria Police Force, established by Sections 214 and 215 of the 1999 Constitution, must uphold democratic norms, rule of law, and accountability. It is shameful that the government, which has failed to provide basic amenities, cites constitutional sections to justify illegal detention.We demand justice and protection for Nigerian minors.For further information, please contact:Dr. Tijjani Abdullahi SarkiVice President Human Rights Watch Foundation, Nigeria 0806 647 5081, +358465334431 [email protected] 2nd November 2024