Drama unfolded in court on Friday when a minor fainted during proceedings at the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The minor, alongside over 74 other young people, was arraigned to face charges related to the August #EndBadGovernance protest.
Following the collapse, the trial judge, Obiora Egwuatu, abruptly halted proceedings, expressing displeasure at the scene before finally retreating to his chambers.
News About Nigeria reports that the minor who collapsed is among the 75 individuals arrested across the country during the August #EndBadGovernance protest.
Recall that the judge had, in August, ordered the remand of all 75 arrested protesters, including 28 minors.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in his application for the detention of the #EndBadGovernance protesters on 8 August, accused the detainees of “terrorism, treason, treasonable felonies, arson, and other terrorism-related offences.”
The Police Chief cited “section 66(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, section 35(1)(C) of the Nigerian Constitution, and section 299 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.”
Speaking after the minor’s collapse, which led to the halting of court proceedings, defense lawyer Abubakar Marshal from Falana and Falana Chambers revealed, “The minors are being starved in prison and have been detained for three months.”
He further stated that they are often fed only biscuits and water, despite being citizens demanding a better country, not criminals.
