Twenty-nine Nigerian children face potential death sentences for protesting against the country’s cost-of-living crisis, sparking outrage and concern over human rights violations.
At a Glance
- 29 minors aged 14-17 could face death penalty for protesting economic conditions
- 76 protesters charged with felonies including treason and public disturbance
- Nigeria’s Child Rights Act prohibits sentencing children to death
- Defendants granted bail at 10 million naira each, conditions not yet met
- Nigeria faces high inflation, weak currency, and significant food insecurity
Minors Face Severe Charges for Protesting
In a shocking development, 29 Nigerian children could face the death penalty for participating in protests against the country’s worsening cost-of-living crisis. The minors, aged between 14 and 17, are among a total of 76 protesters charged with serious felonies, including treason and public disturbance. This severe legal action has drawn widespread criticism from human rights advocates and legal experts.
The protests emerged from mounting frustration over Nigeria’s economic challenges, which have made daily life increasingly unaffordable for many citizens. Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria grapples with widespread poverty, corruption, and economic instability. The country’s population of over 210 million faces high levels of hunger and unemployment, with the United Nations classifying Nigeria as a “hotspot of very high concern” for acute food insecurity.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The prosecution of these minors has raised significant legal and ethical questions. Nigeria’s Child Rights Act explicitly prohibits sentencing children to death, making the potential outcomes of these cases particularly concerning. Legal experts argue that bringing minors before a federal high court is fundamentally flawed.
“So taking minors before a federal high court is wrong, ab initio, except if the government is able to prove that the boys are all above 19 years,” Akintayo Balogun said.
The treatment of the detained children has also come under scrutiny. Reports suggest that the minors have been held in custody for extended periods under harsh conditions, further fueling outrage among human rights advocates.
Economic Crisis Fueling Unrest
The protests that led to these arrests are symptomatic of Nigeria’s broader economic struggles. Despite its vast oil resources, the country faces high inflation, a weak currency, and widespread food insecurity. Government officials are often accused of corruption and enjoying high salaries and benefits while much of the population suffers from poverty and lack of basic necessities.
“A country that has a duty to educate its children will decide to punish those children. These children have been in detention for 90 days without food,” said Marshal Abubakar, a lawyer for some of the teens.
The stark contrast between the lifestyle of Nigeria’s elite and the hardships faced by ordinary citizens has been a key factor in fueling civil unrest. Previous protests against economic conditions have resulted in deaths and arrests, highlighting the government’s harsh response to public dissent.
International Attention and Calls for Action
The case of the 29 minors facing potential death sentences has drawn international attention to Nigeria’s human rights practices and judicial system. While Nigeria has not carried out any executions since 2016, the mere possibility of such severe punishment for children participating in protests has sparked global concern.
“The chief justice of Nigeria should be ashamed, she is a woman and a mother,” Yemi Adamolekun said.
Human rights organizations and international observers are calling on the Nigerian government to drop the charges against the minors and to address the underlying economic issues that have led to widespread protests. The situation underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to improve living standards, combat corruption, and ensure that the rights of all citizens, especially children, are protected under the law.
