Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed anger over the hunger treatment meted out to some minors arrested on August 3, 2024, in connection with their participation in the August nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
The governor revealed that about 125 arrested youths, including minors, languished in police cells until Friday, November 1, 2024, when they were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, during which five of them collapsed in court.
The teenage defendants were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on 10 charges, including terrorism, attempted government overthrow, and alleged mutiny.
Governor Mohammed condemned the inhumane treatment of the minors, particularly the use of starvation as a punishment.
According to him, the development reflects the dire conditions that many detainees suffer within police custody.
In a post on his verified Facebook page, titled “ArewaMuFarka” (Our North, Wake Up), the governor voiced concerns about the lack of unity among northern leaders, criticising their silence on the maltreatment of the young protesters.
“How can someone who struggles to afford three meals a day be expected to pay N10 million in bail?” the governor questioned, urging a reduction in the harsh bail conditions set for those accused.
After viewing footage of the detained teenagers—looking malnourished and dejected in court—Governor Mohammed called upon security agencies, the judiciary, and human rights organisations to advocate for the immediate release of the underage detainees.
He also called for a review of their bail terms, urging the need for a more humane approach to justice.
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