Economy expert and former education minister Oby Ezekwesili has raised concerns about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, calling attention to the treatment of minors and protesters detained by the government. Ezekwesili voiced her alarm after a viral video surfaced, revealing minors in poor health who were arrested during the End Bad Governance protests and later brought to court.

The video, shared widely on the social media platform X, shows a group of minors who were detained from August 1 to 10 and have since spent nearly three months in detention. As they appeared in court, they looked visibly thin and weak from their time in custody. Shockingly, one minor fainted, while others were seen crying and visibly distressed.

Investigative journalist Abiodun Sanusi, who originally posted the video, noted in his caption that a judge reportedly exited the courtroom after witnessing the state of these minors. His caption read: “Judge in Abuja leaves courtroom as malnourished minors, held for three months over #EndBadGovernance protests, collapse in court.” This post has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the treatment of these young individuals and calling for accountability within the judicial system.

The treatment of these minors has intensified public scrutiny of Nigeria’s judiciary and the protection of basic human rights. Observers and citizens alike are left questioning how the justice system can uphold the detention of minors for extended periods without trial, especially in conditions that threaten their health and well-being.