Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has strongly criticized the bail conditions imposed on minors detained in connection with the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. Kwankwaso, speaking on his Facebook page, expressed shock and disappointment over the treatment of the young protesters, calling it a violation of their fundamental human rights.
The minors, a group of 67 teenagers, were reportedly arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force at a court in Abuja following their alleged involvement in the protests. According to Kwankwaso, many of these children appeared malnourished and in need of medical care. He questioned why the authorities were subjecting them to “a cruel experience” when they should be in school.
The senator voiced particular concern over the stringent bail conditions set for the minors’ release, with reports indicating that each minor is required to provide a surety who is a Grade 15 civil servant and pay a bail fee of 10 million Naira. Kwankwaso called this requirement “absurd,” adding that it places an unreasonable burden on the young protesters and their families.
He referenced the Child’s Rights Act of 2003, which safeguards minors from physical, mental, or emotional harm and emphasizes the protection of children’s dignity. Kwankwaso urged authorities to uphold these principles, stating, “As leaders, it is our duty to protect the most vulnerable among us, particularly children, women, the elderly, and the needy.”
In his appeal to the government, Kwankwaso called for the immediate review of the charges and the release of the minors to their families. He further implored the Federal Government to address pressing national issues such as banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram insurgency, unstable electricity, and economic challenges rather than focusing on the detention of minors involved in protests.
The #EndBadGovernance protests have seen growing participation across the country, with many advocating for systemic reforms and an end to poor governance. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have also raised concerns over the treatment of young protesters and have joined Kwankwaso in urging for their swift release.
