Hunger Protest: Children Should Be in School, Not in Detention – Senator

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has condemned the detention of minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, calling it “inhumane and unjust.” The senator expressed deep concern over the handling of minors and urged that children be placed in schools, not in detention centers.

On Saturday, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to review the detention order issued by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court. Justice Egwuatu had set a ₦10 million bail for each of the 72 defendants, including several malnourished minors, who were allegedly involved in the nationwide protests.

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties in the same amount, which Akpoti-Uduaghan criticized as excessive and likely beyond the reach of many families involved.

The senator stated that detaining minors in a medium-security correctional facility is a violation of their fundamental human rights and contradicts established practices. She urged that juveniles be tried in appropriate juvenile courts, where their identities can be protected, rather than exposed in public court proceedings.

Additionally, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan called on the Controller of Prisons, Haliru Nababa, to investigate the conditions of minors held at Kuje Correctional Facility, noting reports of malnourishment and inadequate facilities. She stressed that Kuje Medium Security Custodian Centre is not suitable for children, advocating instead for the use of juvenile correctional facilities designed to address the needs of young offenders.

The senator appealed to the Federal Government to “temper justice with mercy” and release the detained minors, emphasizing that they were likely manipulated by adults in carrying out alleged offenses. She concluded with a firm call to action: “Children should be in school, not in detention.”