A STATEMENT BY CIVIL SOCIETY- NPF OBSERVATORY

We, undersigned members of Civil Society -NPF Observatory are outraged by the sordid spectacle of sick and malnourished children fainting and slumping in the open court, being among a significant number of children arrested and held in prolonged detention, particularly under inhumane conditions. We note that this reflects severe failures in law enforcement and an alarming disregard for child rights under both local and international laws. The actions of the government, particularly in using counter-terrorism laws to suppress dissent and freedom of expression, have raised critical concerns about the safeguarding of vulnerable populations.

We are deeply concerned that such a high number of children could be arrested and detained without just cause, leading to severe human rights violations.

Detention facilities are grossly inadequate, subjecting children to abuse and malnutrition.

It is scandalous that children are being arraigned and tried alongside adults, which violates their rights and legal protections as minors.

The current government has proved itself beyond doubt to be misusing counter-terrorism laws as tools for repressing political dissent, undermining democratic freedoms.

The visible suffering of these children, particularly those collapsing in court due to malnutrition, raises profound ethical concerns about the state’s treatment of its youth.

We demand as follows:

1. Immediate release and rehabilitation of all the detained children. They should be released immediately, provided with rehabilitation support, and reintegrated into educational systems.

2. The government should urgently reassess and correct its approach to law enforcement, prioritizing the well-being and rights of Nigerian citizens, especially vulnerable groups.

3. The government must recommit to fulfilling its obligations under local and international human rights laws to protect children and ensure laws are applied justly and fairly.

Conclusion
The situation demands urgent attention and action from government authorities, civil society, and the international community. Protecting the well-being of children and rehabilitating those affected should be a priority, as these actions reflect a commitment to human rights, justice, and the essence of a democratic society.

As citizens and civic actors, we must remain vigilant, to tirelessly, and vigorously advocate for the rights of children, urging the government to uphold democratic principles and human rights.

Signed:

1. RULAAC, Lagos
2. One Love Foundation, Edo
3. Nde Oduko Foundation, Ebonyi
4. Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative
5. Open Society on Justice Reform Project (OSJRP), Lagos
6. Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), Abia
7. Foundation For Environmental Rights,Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Abia
8. Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights, Lagos
9. Initiative for Public Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria (IPSSEDNETWORK), Enugu
10. Grassroots Development Monitoring and Advocacy Centre
11. Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD)
12. Justice for Peace and Development Initiative (JPDI)
13. Criminal Justice Network of Nigeria(CJNN)
14. Global Rights Foundation for Peace and Human Rights, River State
15. Conscience for human rights and conflicts Resolution CHRCR Lokoja Kogi State
16. Initiative for Gender Equality and Advancement (IGEA ) Edo state.
17. Movement for Improved Welfare for Nigeria Police Force miwNPF.
18. Campaign for Constitutionalism and Human Rights CCHR
19. Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance CACOBAG
20. Centre for People’s Defence CPD
21. Gani Fawehinmi Movement for a New Nigeria GFMNN
22. Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation (HURSDEF), Rivers State
23. Bauchi Human Rights Network, Bauchi
24. Center for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), Aba, Abia State
25. Victoria Peace Foundation (partnering for Justice and Peace)
26. Interfaith Peace Foundation, Kano will co-sign
27. Community Education Advancement of Peace & Dev. initiative (CEAPDI)
28. The Inclusion Project
29. GodthemCity Peace Initiative, Gombe State.
30. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa
31. Elixir Trust Foundation (ETF)
32. The Difference Newspapers Lagos
33. Vision Spring Initiatives