By 9jaeye 
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has vehemently criticized the Tinubu administration for its decision to detain minors for 93 days in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests. During a press briefing following a recent court hearing, Adeyanju questioned how the government could so easily imprison children while simultaneously failing to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who has managed to evade law enforcement for six months.
“The government can arrest 10- to 13-year-old children and keep them in custody for ninety-three days, yet it has not managed to arrest Yahaya Bello,” Adeyanju pointed out. This glaring disparity, he argued, highlights a troubling divide in how the justice system treats the poor versus the powerful. He emphasized, “Is it not a parody of justice that we have a country for the rich and another for the poor?”
Moreover, Adeyanju criticized the Tinubu government for breaching the fundamental rights of these children, noting that legal provisions clearly mandate charges within 48 hours of arrest. “You are violating the rights of these minors, who are suffering unnecessarily,” he stated emphatically.
In addition, he expressed deep concern over the children’s deteriorating health, saying, “These children already show signs of malnutrition. You cannot keep them in custody for this long.” Adeyanju made a passionate appeal to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, urging him to leverage his constitutional powers to discontinue the case against the minors so they can return to school promptly.
A Call for Immediate Action
As public outrage continues to grow both nationally and internationally, Adeyanju’s statements resonate strongly with many who advocate for a fair and just legal system. His call for immediate action against the injustices faced by these minors serves as a powerful reminder of the pressing need for reform within Nigeria’s justice system.
Ensuring Equitable Treatment
In conclusion, Adeyanju’s remarks highlight the urgent necessity for equitable treatment under the law, ensuring that no individual, regardless of age or status, is subjected to unjust treatment.
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