In a strong rebuke of Nigeria’s justice practices, former Nigerian Bar Association President JB Daudu has criticized the detention and arraignment of minors transferred from Kano to Abuja on treason charges, calling it a “caricature of federalism.†Daudu stated that the minors should have faced charges like “conduct likely to cause a breach of peace†or “unlawful assembly,†rather than the more severe treason accusation.
“The most appalling aspect of the Federal High Court proceedings in Abuja yesterday was the nature of the charge—treason,†Daudu noted, questioning why minors are treated as adults in such cases. He argued that the Attorney General of the Federation lacks the authority to prosecute these youths for alleged state-level offenses.
Daudu condemned the federal government’s actions, asserting that the state governments are neglecting their responsibilities to protect their citizens’ rights. He called for a reevaluation of why the minors were transferred to Abuja, describing it as a systemic failure and noting their prolonged detention of over three months in what he called “dehumanizing†conditions. “This is inhumane and a breach of their fundamental rights,†he added.
He urged the federal government to drop the charges, release the detainees, and ensure they receive adequate rehabilitation and compensation. Daudu further advocated for a thorough inquiry into the case to address the systemic issues within Nigeria’s justice framework.
“We should collectively feel a sense of guilt and shame. I call on the Federal Government to discontinue these charges, release those detained for state-level offenses, and provide adequate rehabilitative compensation,†Daudu urged, emphasizing the critical need for reform and accountability.
His comments add to the growing concerns about Nigeria’s treatment of minors in its justice system, underscoring a call for urgent reform to uphold fairness and humane treatment.
