Nigerian teens face death penalty amid protest crackdown
In Nigeria, 29 teenagers aged 14 to 17 have been charged with treason for participating in demonstrations against the country's dire economic situation. They are facing the death penalty.
3 November 2024 10:49
76 people who participated in the demonstration on Friday appeared in court on charges of treason, property destruction, disturbing public order, and inciting rebellion. The court set bail for the accused at 10 million naira (approximately £4,600).
Among the accused are 29 teenagers. Four of them fainted in court from exhaustion before providing their statements. A lawyer from Abuja, Akintayo Balogun, highlighted that the Child Rights Act does not permit minors to be subjected to criminal proceedings or sentenced to death.
Mass protests in Nigeria
For several months, Nigeria has been experiencing a wave of mass protests. Citizens are fleeing the streets, demanding new jobs and better living conditions. In August, clashes with law enforcement resulted in at least 20 deaths and hundreds of arrests.
Despite being Africa's largest oil producer, Nigeria remains one of the world's poorest countries. With the continent's largest population of 210 million people, the nation struggles with chronic corruption, high inflation, and food insecurity for many citizens.
Controversial charges
The death penalty was introduced into the Nigerian penal code in the 1970s, but no executions have been carried out since 2016.
The current charges against minors are controversial and raise issues regarding the observance of human rights in the country.
