By Ahmed Liman kingimi
In a significant development, the Nigerian Bar Association NBA has successfully secured the release of ten minors who were wrongfully detained for over four months on baseless charges in Borno State.
The minors, who were arrested during EndBadgovernance protests and charged with unrelated offenses, have finally been set free following the NBA’s persistent advocacy efforts.
Barrister Nuhu J Egya, the National Chairman of the Citizens Liberty Committee, expressed grave concerns over the arbitrary detention of these minors, citing the lack of due process and the harsh conditions they were subjected to.
Barrister Egya stressed the importance of providing adequate legal representation and ensuring fair trials, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children.
“Our visit to Maiduguri was in relation to the EndBadgovernance protesters who had been arrested and detained for three to four months without being formally charged,” he stated.
“Minors cannot be brought to trial as they are juveniles. Some of these minors, according to court records, are between 12 to 14 years old. It is evident that these minors are children who should not be subjected to open court trials.”
He further pointed out that most of the charges against these minors were unfounded and politically motivated.
“We are grateful for the judge’s compassion in releasing the minors based on legal grounds. Last week, we secured the release of six minors, and today, we have successfully facilitated the release of four more,” Barrister Egya added.
The legal team has pledged to continue their efforts to secure the release of the remaining 17 minors who are still in custody and awaiting their next court appearance.
“We have submitted an application for the release of the remaining defendants, and the ruling is expected on December 3rd,” Barrister Egya confirmed.
He highlighted that the judge showed understanding towards the plight of the parents and the minors, considering the dire conditions some of the minors were in, including one who had lost their eyesight and another who was in poor health.
Under the leadership of Mazi Afam, the NBA is committed to upholding professionalism and ensuring justice for all.
The families of the released minors expressed their joy and gratitude towards the Citizens Liberty Committee for securing the release of their children without any charges.
“We are overjoyed today following the release of our children after four months of detention,” said Modu Kawuye Banki, a parent of one of the released minors.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the lawyers who diligently handled this case.”
About The Author
