Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI) strongly condemns  unlawful detention, arraignment of Nigerian minors

Stanley Ihedigbo

Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), an organization committed to the safety and dignity of children, women, and girls, has strongly condemned the recent arraignment of severely malnourished minors at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024.

According to the group Executive Director, Amb. Onyinyechi Joy Nwosu, these minors, detained for an unprecedented 93 days under intolerable conditions, appeared in court visibly frail, with some collapsing due to exhaustion and malnutrition.

“The arraignment took place in full public view, in violation of both national and international child protection laws. This act represents a grievous violation of the Child Rights Act, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and international conventions including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

“These frameworks collectively uphold that no child shall be subjected to inhumane treatment, nor be tried alongside adults, and that all child offenders must be tried within specialized family courts designed to safeguard their well-being and dignity.

“A National Disgrace . This horrifying incident brings to light serious gaps in the Nigerian justice and child welfare systems. The unlawful detention and public arraignment of these children represent not just a failure of governmental bodies to protect the Nigerian child but also a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in juvenile justice protocols”, the human rights activist lamented.

They  urgently called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to,  immediately release these minors to appropriate child protection services.

“Conduct an independent investigation into the unlawful detention and arraignment procedures. Enforce the Child Rights Act and establish measures to prevent future violations. We will continue to collaborate with child-focused organizations, legal entities, and human rights advocates to pursue justice for these minors and ensure no child in Nigeria suffers such inhumane treatment.

“We demand accountability and reform within law enforcement and judicial systems and call on the government to uphold Nigeria’s commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every child,” VIDI Executive Director emphasized.