The Nigerian government is facing increasing pressure to drop charges against dozens of minors amid an uproar over detention conditions since they were arrested over their alleged participation in protests against the high cost of living.
A total of 76 people, including 30 children, were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and mutiny.
The minors ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old, the Associated Press news agency reported.
Scenes of the young Nigerians fainting while in court in the capital, Abuja, sparked an uproar from politicians and civil society. They have been under detention for three months following their arrests in August.
“The footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment,” said politician Peter Obi, who unsuccessfully contested the 2023 presidential election.
Amnesty International also condemned the minors’ “horrifying detentions for …