“The chief justice of Nigeria should feel ashamed, as she is a woman and a mother,” stated Yemi Adamolekun, the executive director of Enough is Enough, a civil society group advocating for good governance in Nigeria.
Currently, 29 children could be facing the death penalty after being arraigned for taking part in protests against the severe cost-of-living crisis in the country. Four of the minors, aged between 14 and 17, collapsed in court from exhaustion before they could enter a plea. In total, 76 protesters face ten felony charges, including treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny.
Frustrations over the rising cost of living have sparked several mass protests in recent months. In August, at least 20 people were killed, and hundreds arrested during a demonstration calling for better job opportunities for youth. While the death penalty has been part of Nigeria’s legal framework since the 1970s, the country has not carried out any executions since 2016.
According to the Child Rights Act, children should not be subjected to criminal proceedings that could lead to the death penalty. Lawyer Akintayo Balogun emphasized that taking minors to federal high court is improper unless it can be proven they are over 19. The court has set bail at 10 million naira ($5,900) for each child, with stringent conditions they have yet to fulfill, according to their counsel, Marshal Abubakar.
Abubakar criticized the government’s decision to prosecute children, stating, “A country that should educate its children is choosing to punish them. These children have been in detention for 90 days without food.”
Despite being one of Africa’s largest crude oil producers, Nigeria remains one of the world’s poorest nations, plagued by chronic corruption that creates a stark contrast between the lifestyles of public officials and the general population. Medical workers frequently strike over low wages, and politicians are often among the highest-paid in Africa. The president’s wife, despite lacking a constitutional role, receives luxurious perks funded by taxpayers.
With over 210 million people, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of hunger globally, and the government has struggled to generate jobs. Inflation has reached a 28-year peak, and the naira has hit record lows against the dollar. Recently, Nigeria was classified as a “hotspot of very high concern” by UN food agencies, highlighting the critical levels of food insecurity facing many citizens.