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A dramatic scene unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, as a 15-year-old boy, among 76 protesters detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance movement, collapsed before the trial began.
The minor, who appeared malnourished and unkempt, was arraigned alongside 75 other defendants, mostly minors, on a 10-count charge.
As the charges were about to be read, the boy slumped, prompting Justice Obiora Egwuatu to halt proceedings and return to his chambers.
With the assistance of lawyers in the courtroom, the frail-looking boy was rushed to the court’s clinic. His co-defendants, many of whom were visibly shaken, wept uncontrollably.
According to their counsel, Deji Adeyanju, the minors had spent over 80 days in police custody. Adeyanju expressed concerns about their well-being, emphasizing that many are still minors.
The defendants were arrested in Abuja and Kano during the August protests, which sought to address various social and economic issues in Nigeria.
The government’s response to the protests has been met with controversy.
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