CIVICUS discusses the criminalisation of protesters in Nigeria with Oluwafunke Adeoye, founder and Executive Director of Hope Behind Bars, a civil society organisation (CSO) that works to improve the criminal justice system.
Heavy-handed policing and violent repression of recent protests against the high cost of living have resulted in over 20 deaths, scores of arrests and the continued criminalisation of protesters, including children. Almost 80 people, including 29 aged 14 to 17, have been charged with serious offences such as treason, public disorder and destruction of property for taking part in protests. Legal experts argue that the Child Rights Act prohibits the prosecution of minors, and while the court granted the child defendants bail, unrealistically high bail fees meant they had to remain in detention for up to 90 days, without access to adequate food and basic necessities.