Renowned Nollywood actress Bukola Arugba has condemned the disturbing detention of malnourished minors who were arrested during the End Bad Governance protests. The actress’s impassioned response comes after a heartbreaking video surfaced showing the young detainees collapsing in court after reportedly spending three months in custody.
The distressing footage, which has sparked widespread condemnation across the nation, shows the visible effects of prolonged detention on these young protesters, some reportedly as young as 10 years old. The situation has raised serious questions about the treatment of minors in Nigeria’s justice system and the fundamental rights of young citizens.
“I find this appalling and annoying!!!” declared Arugba in an emotional Instagram post that has since garnered significant attention. The actress’s outrage was particularly directed at the shocking revelation that these children have been held in detention facilities without adequate nutrition for a quarter of a year, a situation that appears to violate both national and international laws protecting the rights of minors.
The disturbing case has brought to light several critical issues regarding the treatment of young protesters and the broader implications for civil rights in Nigeria. Arugba, known for her advocacy on social issues, raised pointed questions about the legitimacy of the legal proceedings against these minors. “What’s their offense? What peace can 10, 14 years old ‘MINORS’ disturb?” she demanded, highlighting the apparent absurdity of treating children as serious security threats.
The actress’s concern about the possibility that some detained minors might not have even made it to court adds another layer of urgency to the situation. This suggestion has amplified calls for immediate investigation into the conditions of detention facilities and the treatment of young detainees across the country.
The case has sparked a broader debate about the criminalization of protest in Nigeria, particularly concerning the vulnerability of young participants. Legal experts and human rights advocates have begun questioning the constitutional implications of detaining minors under such conditions, especially in cases related to peaceful protests.
Arugba’s call to action, urging Nigerians to “lend your voice just as I am lending mine,” has resonated with many citizens who see this as a critical moment for civil society intervention. Her use of the phrase “immediate alacrity” in demanding the children’s rescue emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for swift action to prevent further harm to these young detainees.
The incident has also raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s compliance with international conventions on the rights of children, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Nigeria is a signatory. The detention of minors without adequate food and in conditions that lead to physical collapse in court appears to violate multiple provisions of these international agreements.
This case has become a rallying point for various civil society organizations and human rights groups, who are now demanding transparency in the judicial process and accountability from the authorities responsible for the children’s detention. The video of the minors collapsing in court has become powerful evidence of what many describe as a systemic failure to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
The situation highlights the ongoing tension between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties in Nigeria, particularly when it comes to the treatment of young people involved in political expression. The fact that these events occurred during protests against bad governance adds an layer of irony to the circumstances, as the treatment of these minors seems to exemplify the very issues the protesters were rallying against.
As this story continues to develop, Arugba’s vocal stance has helped bring national attention to what might otherwise have remained a localized incident. Her platform as a celebrated actress has amplified the voices of these detained minors and their families, potentially catalyzing the legal and social intervention needed to secure their release and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The coming days will likely see increased pressure on authorities to address this situation and implement reforms to prevent such occurrences in the future. For now, the video and Arugba’s impassioned response serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and human dignity in Nigeria, particularly for its youngest citizens.
