The Nigerian government’s counsel clarified that individuals detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests are mostly adults, not minors as widely reported. Amid public backlash, officials argue that many are married and educated.
During a recent hearing in Abuja’s Federal High Court, Rimazonte Ezekiel, counsel to Nigeria's Federal Government, claimed that the majority of individuals previously identified as minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests are, in fact, adults. This statement came after outrage sparked by videos appearing to show minors among those detained during the August demonstrations against governance issues, which called for fiscal reforms, food security, and a return to fuel subsidies.
Following their arrest, 76 defendants were charged, including some believed to be minors, stirring criticism from human rights groups and social commentators. Ezekiel clarified, however, that most of these individuals are adults, many of whom are reportedly married or university graduates. “These are not children,” he stated, asserting that family members, including younger relatives, had accompanied some detainees to court.
The court had previously granted bail of N10 million each for 114 detainees, requiring two sureties per person. In Friday's proceedings, four individuals reportedly collapsed and were taken to the hospital, with others scheduled to appear again in January.
Ezekiel defended the government's position, arguing that the protests involved foreign flags and calls for military intervention, which he claimed posed risks to Nigeria’s democratic stability. The Tinubu administration, he noted, was allowing citizens their rights while striving to maintain national order and peace.
