By Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
A Prominent Nigerian scholar, Dr. Idris A. Oni, has raised concern government’s approach in prosecuting children on treason charges involving minors.
Oni shared his voice on recent stirred that attracted nationwide discourse with a bold condemnation from some quarters.
He criticized the prolonged detention of the minors under what he termed “harsh conditions,” highlighting both the legal and moral implications of their treatment.
The scholar asserted that the responsibility lies not only with the central government but also with state governors who, he argued, “should be most ashamed of themselves” for their complicity in the ongoing ordeal.
Oni voiced strong disapproval of the legal proceedings that have kept these children behind bars for months without due regard for their rights.
“Arresting kids for treason, placing them in remand under harsh conditions, and prosecuting for the said ‘treason’ is a shame of the nation and its leadership,” he said.
He highlighted that the manner struck a nerve with citizens, igniting calls for accountability from state and federal authorities.
According to the human rights advocate, the children involved have been deprived of their basic rights, facing extended remand periods and excessively high bail conditions.
He argued that the approach deems both inhumane and counterproductive stressing that the role of the judiciary in this case, singling out the attorney who pressed charges as well as the judge who set what he described as “humongous bail demands.
He labeled the actions as an “embarrassment to the nation,” arguing that the officials involved have failed in their duty to uphold justice, particularly for minors.
Dr. Oni criticized the governors of the states where the children were arrested, suggesting they “bear direct responsibility” for the treatment of the youth under their governance.
He called on these leaders to acknowledge the “life the kids are living” due to their failure to intervene, thus exposing the vulnerable minors to harsh legal repercussions.
The ABCnews reports that Oni’s response have quickly gained traction across social media platforms, with many Nigerians rallying behind his stance.
Some Rights groups advocates and civil organizations have joined in through social media platforms, calling for an immediate reassessment of the charges and treatment of the minors.
According to Amnesty International Nigeria, the alleged “treasonous” activities of the children remain unclear, with little transparency surrounding the specific accusations against them.
Amnesty officials noted that the cases highlight a troubling pattern of silencing dissent through severe legal actions, even against young people.
The scholar’s post has also sparked a larger conversation about the role of state governors in protecting the welfare of children within their jurisdictions.
The public response has been largely supportive, with many users expressing dismay over what they view as a gross overreach of governmental power.
“It’s appalling to think that our legal system would treat children in this manner,” one user commented, while another wrote,
“This is a low point for our leadership; the children should be in school, not jail.”
For now, the government has remained silent on the issue, but the swell of support for Dr. Oni’s statements suggests that pressure is mounting.
Some Analysts suggested that the federal government may soon be compelled to respond, as public sentiment increasingly calls for a reassessment of the way such cases are handled.
Dr. Oni’s post has not only brought national attention to these specific minors but has also reignited the debate over the broader treatment of youth within Nigeria’s legal system, with many advocating for policy reforms aimed at safeguarding children’s rights.
Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi Social Commentator ainuwa303@gmail.com
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