ActionAid Nigeria has condemned recent actions by security agencies involving the detention and harassment of peaceful protesters, including minors, and has called on the government to respect citizens’ rights.
The organization emphasized that such actions undermine democratic principles and warned against the misuse of state power to stifle free expression.
ActionAid expressed particular concern for minors detained following the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. “The treatment of underaged protesters contravenes both the Nigerian Child Rights Act and international standards,” the organization stated.
The Act, along with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child—ratified by Nigeria—provides for the protection of minors, calling for rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment. Despite these provisions, detained minors were reportedly subjected to excessive bail conditions, facing ₦10 million each and requiring sureties.
“Detaining and humiliating young protesters shows a failure to uphold the Nigerian Child Rights Act, which ensures children’s protection from harm and abuse,” said Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria. He urged the government to review the circumstances of their detention and ensure their swift release, highlighting that all Nigerians should be free to voice their concerns in a safe, respectful environment.
ActionAid called for a renewed commitment to addressing poverty, inequality, and insecurity instead of limiting citizens’ freedom of expression, warning that continued repression could erode trust in democratic governance.
