Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer representing children detained for 93 days over #EndBadGovernance protests has strongly blasted the Nigerian government’s actions, calling them unjust.
Adeyanju expressed disbelief over how the administration led by President Bola Tinubu could hold children, aged between 10 and 13, in custody for such an extended period while failing to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, despite six months having passed since his alleged offenses.
“It’s disturbing that the government can detain young children for ninety-three days, yet has not managed to arrest Yahaya Bello after all this time,” Adeyanju remarked to reporters after a recent court session.
He added, “It feels like there’s a different set of laws for the rich and another for the poor. Legally, individuals should not be held for more than forty-eight hours, but the police are violating these children’s basic rights.”
While avoiding comments on the specifics of the case currently in court, Adeyanju highlighted the glaring inequality: “Our children are being held for over three months, while others seem above the law. These kids are suffering physically, appearing malnourished and weak, with some even fainting in custody. It’s actions like these that hurt our country’s human rights reputation.”
Adeyanju made a heartfelt plea to Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, asking him to use his authority under Section 174 of the constitution to take over and dismiss the case, allowing the children to return to school.
“I couldn’t hold back tears in court today. This is a tragic injustice,” he said.
The case has sparked widespread outcry, with both Nigerians and international organizations condemning the treatment of the detained children and urging the Nigerian government to uphold basic human rights.
