The Arewa Broadcast Media Practitioners’ Forum (ABMPF) has joined the growing national and international outcry against the alleged inhuman treatment of 76 young men, some reportedly juveniles, who were recently arraigned in Abuja on charges of treason. The Forum expressed shock and dismay at images showing the youths, visibly malnourished and showing signs of physical mistreatment, as they were paraded before the court.
In a statement released by the ABMPF Chairman, Abdullahi Yelwa, the Forum condemned what it described as “an irresponsible act of inhumanity” on the part of the Nigerian police. “This will forever be a stain on our national consciousness as a so-called democratic country,” Yelwa stated. The ABMPF denounced the alleged treatment of the detainees, calling it a violation of their constitutionally protected right to protest.
The arraignment has reignited a debate on human rights and police conduct in Nigeria. According to the ABMPF, these youths, many of whom may have joined the #EndBadGovernance protests out of curiosity, have been targeted as scapegoats. “The government’s claim of uncovering protest sponsors only underscores the absurdity of prosecuting these boys, whose attendance was likely unplanned and incidental,” the statement noted.
The Forum went further to highlight concerns that Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, is sliding toward authoritarianism. “Nigeria is fast becoming a police state where citizens’ rights are being systematically eroded. National institutions like the judiciary, police, and security agencies, designed to protect citizens, are being used as instruments of oppression,” said Yelwa. Citing recent incidents, he remarked that even journalists have not been spared, with arbitrary arrests on the rise, as recently pointed out by the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON).
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The ABMPF attributed recent social upheaval to the perceived harmful policies of President Tinubu’s administration, which they say have plunged Nigerians deeper into poverty and increased citizen discontent. “People are dying of hunger daily, and the government’s continued insensitivity to their plight is fueling more unrest,” the statement argued.
The ABMPF issued the following demands:
1. Immediate release and safety of detainees: The Forum called for the unconditional release of the 76 detainees, including urgent medical attention for four juveniles who reportedly collapsed in court.
2. Investigation and prosecution of actual protest sponsors: They urged authorities to identify and prosecute genuine sponsors of the protests, if any, rather than targeting vulnerable youth.
3. Address root causes of agitation: The Forum pressed the government to address the underlying social and economic grievances that have led to these protests.
4. Respect rule of law: A call was made for judicial independence and impartiality to uphold democratic values.
5. Policy Reversal: ABMPF demanded a reversal of certain government policies they deem harmful, which they argue have worsened the economic situation for everyday Nigerians.
6. Compensation and apology: The government should issue an official apology and offer adequate compensation to the affected individuals.
In their statement, ABMPF also cited the United Nations Convention Against Torture, which Nigeria is obligated to uphold. “The recent events starkly remind us of our failure to adhere to international standards on human rights,” said Yelwa.
The Forum urged Nigerians to stand firm against human rights abuses, calling on all citizens to advocate for justice and equality.
