#EndBadGovernance: group calls for reform in juvenile justice

A prominent Nigerian civil society group, Women Aid Collective (WACOL), has called on the Federal Government to prevent minors from entering formal judicial processes and to ensure the separation of children from adults in detention facilities.

WACOL highlighted that minors should only face detention and trial as a last resort, emphasizing that juvenile courts should be used whenever judicial proceedings involving children are necessary.

The appeal comes on the heels of the recent arraignment of 76 protesters, including minors, by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Viral videos over the weekend showed visibly malnourished children among the detainees, sparking public outrage and demands from civil society organizations for their immediate release.

In a statement issued on Sunday, WACOL’s Executive Director, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, condemned the treatment of minors in the justice system, describing it as a violation of Nigerian and international laws on children’s rights.

“Children’s rights are human rights, and Nigerian children’s rights must be respected and upheld,” she stated.

“Children in conflict with the law should be diverted away from the formal judicial process. Recent events have not only undermined our justice system but represent a violation of state, national, regional, and international frameworks concerning children’s rights.”

Ezeilo stressed that children accused of crimes should be detained separately from adults and have their identities protected. She urged that juvenile courts or judges handle cases involving minors to ensure a justice process considering their age, dignity, and potential for reintegration into society.

Criticizing the “ugly phenomenon” of allegedly starving minors facing serious charges, Ezeilo called for accountability from those responsible for violating these legal standards.

“This ugly phenomenon of starving children charged with mutiny and treason must stop. It shames us as a nation,” she declared.

“We demand accountability for those who failed to uphold the law. Prosecutors should always ensure justice is rightly served in the court of law.”

WACOL’s stance underscores growing calls for Nigeria to protect children’s rights and reform its juvenile justice system.