Abuja-based human rights station Brekete Family Radio has partially shut down in protest of the detention of minors who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.
These minors were detained following protests against hunger and hardship and were recently arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja. They were granted bail at N10 million each.
Brekete Family Radio shared their decision to halt broadcasts temporarily in a statement on Monday, expressing solidarity with the detained children. The station said, “Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) shuts down partially in protest of the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children. This decision reflects our deep commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable.”
The station also called for action, saying, “We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and international bodies to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of these children. Until justice is served, we stand firm in solidarity with the voiceless.”
The arrests have sparked outrage from many citizens, including politicians like Peter Obi and Abubakar Atiku, who have demanded the children’s release. Civil society groups and rights activists have also criticized the government and police over the detentions.
The Nigerian Correctional Service recently denied claims that the detained minors were being held in adult facilities, specifically at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
