On Friday, five of the 125 young defendants, aged 12 to 15, fainted in a Federal High Court in Abuja during their arraignment on charges related to the August #EndBadGovernance protest. The individuals, facing allegations of terrorism, attempting to overthrow the government, and mutiny, were brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

The defendants, allegedly involved in a protest in Kano where anti-government slogans were chanted and foreign flags displayed, were arrested on August 3 and arraigned in two groups of 76 and 49 individuals. Chaos ensued as the first group approached the dock, with several suddenly collapsing, prompting the judge to suspend the session.

Court health officials were called to provide immediate medical assistance. Defense lawyer Marshall Abubakar attributed the incident to hunger and poor health, stating that the young detainees, some as young as 12, had been held for weeks without adequate food or medical care.

“These children are sick and hungry. They have been kept in custody without proper attention, leading to this unfortunate situation,” Abubakar explained.