Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, has voiced strong disapproval of the stringent bail conditions set for minors detained after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Sharing his views on Facebook, Kwankwaso expressed dismay at what he termed a “fundamental rights violation” against the young protesters. “I am shocked by the arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force in an Abuja court over alleged involvement in the End Bad Governance Protest,” he said. “These children, many of whom appear malnourished and in need of medical care, are facing an ordeal that should never be inflicted on young people, especially when they should be in school.”
Kwankwaso further criticized the unusual and severe nature of the charges filed against these minors, emphasizing that it contradicts fundamental principles of human dignity and rights protection. “As leaders, our foremost responsibility is to protect the vulnerable among us, particularly children, women, the elderly, and those in need,” he stated. “The government should not lead the charge in violating these principles.”
The senator expressed particular concern over the bail conditions, which require a minor to produce N10 million and a guarantor who is a grade-15 civil servant. “It is appalling that a teenager is expected to fulfill such a harsh condition for release,” he continued. “Section 11 of the Child’s Rights Act 2003 enshrines the protection of every child’s dignity and safeguards them from physical, mental, or emotional harm, abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.”
Kwankwaso called on authorities to review the charges against the minors and urged their immediate release to reunite with their families. He added, “The relevant authorities should re-evaluate these charges, allowing the children to return to their families and contribute positively to society. Lastly, I urge the Federal Government to focus on pressing national issues—such as banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram insurgency, lack of stable electricity, and burdensome economic policies—instead of targeting children.”
