Womanifesto, a coalition of over 300 women-led organizations and civil society groups, has expressed appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to release minors detained for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
An open letter signed by its members including 9jafeminista, Action Aid Nigeria, ACTS Generation GBV, Ade Grange Child Foundation, Advocacy for women with disabilities initiative (AWWDI) amongst others issued on Monday, commended the president’s decision as a positive step toward protecting the rights of vulnerable children. However, the coalition emphasized the need for deeper reforms within Nigeria’s justice and law enforcement systems to address systemic failures that have led to the unjust detention and mistreatment of minors.
The directive was first announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, who disclosed that the president had instructed the release of all detained minors, along with a mandate for the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to oversee their welfare.
“The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families, no matter where they are in the country,” Malagi stated.
“A committee has been set up to examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and release. All involved law enforcement officers will be investigated, and any found culpable will face consequences,” he added.
In its open letter, Womanifesto acknowledged this directive as a humane and commendable response but highlighted the broader systemic issues within Nigeria’s judicial and law enforcement frameworks that allowed for such detentions.
“The fact that these detentions were allowed, with children experiencing neglect, malnutrition, and degradation in court, reveals deep-rooted failures in our system. This failure continues to disregard children’s rights and the dignity of Nigerian citizens,” the letter stated.
The coalition outlined a series of demands aimed at ensuring justice and upholding Nigeria’s commitment to human rights:
- Unconditional Release and Rehabilitation of Detained Minors
Womanifesto demanded the immediate, unconditional release of all detained minors and called for rehabilitation programs to provide psychological support and reintegration into educational institutions. - Reforms in Law Enforcement and Judicial Systems
The coalition urged the Tinubu administration to implement comprehensive reforms to prevent future human rights abuses, particularly those affecting minors. This includes ensuring that children are treated in accordance with the Nigerian Child Rights Act (CRA) and international child protection standards. - Strengthened Human Rights Commitment
Emphasizing Nigeria’s obligations under both local and international human rights laws, Womanifesto called on the government to reaffirm its commitment to just and fair treatment for all citizens, especially vulnerable populations like minors.
The open letter also addressed the severe conditions under which these minors were reportedly held. Womanifesto noted that detention facilities have exposed minors to malnutrition, abuse, and trauma, which it described as a severe breach of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
“Children should not face the same legal consequences as adults, particularly in conditions that expose them to physical and psychological harm,” the coalition argued.
Prominent legal professionals, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun, have voiced support for the release of these minors, describing their prosecution as a “shameful aberration.”
Womanifesto echoed Edun’s stance, urging the Attorney General to dismiss all charges against the minors and calling on the Police Service Commission to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for these actions.
Womanifesto also raised concerns over Nigeria’s aspirations for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The coalition warned that the treatment of these minors could damage Nigeria’s international reputation, noting that such human rights violations cast doubt on the nation’s commitment to justice and democracy.
The open letter concluded with a vision for a Nigeria where every child is protected and valued.
“We envision a Nigeria where every child is protected, valued, and empowered to thrive in an environment free from injustice. We urge your administration to address these critical human rights issues and to uphold the principles of democracy,” the coalition’s letter concluded.
Through these demands, Womanifesto hopes to catalyze changes that go beyond the release of detained minors and create a system that genuinely respects and protects the rights of all Nigerian citizens, particularly the young and vulnerable.
