Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, has called on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the detention and prosecution of underage protesters involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
The minors, allegedly in poor health, were arraigned on Friday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Egwuatu granted bail to 72 defendants, including the minors, setting bail at N10 million per defendant, with two sureties required. The conditions stipulate that one surety must be a civil servant of grade level 15 or higher with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction, and the other must be a parent of the defendant.

Senator Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, condemned the treatment of the minors, describing it as “inhumane and unjust.” He also called for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to review the judge’s decision, questioning the appropriateness of detaining minors under such circumstances.

In a statement, Senator Musa said, “I strongly condemn the unjust detention of minors following the #EndBadGovernance protests. It is deeply troubling that, despite the hardships these children have endured, they are being punished rather than shown compassion and understanding.”

He further criticized the judiciary’s approach to the minors, emphasizing that “such actions contradict the principles of justice and fairness.” Musa urged an immediate investigation into the handling of the minors to ensure accountability and protect their rights.

During the court proceedings, the frail and malnourished children were visibly struggling, with some collapsing from exhaustion. Four minors had to be removed from the courtroom due to their critical health conditions.

Senator Musa affirmed his commitment to justice, stating, “This issue must be addressed urgently, and I will continue to stand with my constituents and all Nigerians in the pursuit of justice and good governance.”

In a strong plea for judicial integrity, the Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in Governance has called for immediate intervention to prevent the Benue State Judicial Service Commission (BSJSC) from embarking on a proposed strike action.
The coalition claimed that the strike is being manipulated by political figures pursuing personal interests, potentially undermining the delivery of justice in the state.
Executive Director of the coalition, Hajia Jaiyeola Mohammed, submitted a petition to the Chief Justice of Benue State and the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) where she raised alarms about the growing backlog of civil and criminal cases in the courts, stressing that a strike would only exacerbate existing delays. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she asserted, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The coalition’s concerns stem from a meeting held on October 21, 2024, where it was revealed that certain politicians are exerting undue pressure on the BSJSC. This interference, they argue, threatens the judiciary’s independence, which is essential for upholding justice for all citizens.
“Holding the entire state to ransom for the interests of a few is unacceptable,” Hajia Mohammed stated. She urged the judiciary to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, warning that a strike could lead to significant injustice for those awaiting legal resolutions.
The coalition’s petition underscored the crucial role of the judiciary in maintaining order and fairness, especially during politically charged times. With the potential strike looming, concerns are mounting over access to justice in the region, affecting not just the legal system but also public confidence in governance.
As citizens and legal practitioners await a response, the coalition remains vigilant, advocating for a judiciary free from external influences and dedicated to its primary mission of serving the public interest. The implications of this situation are profound, emphasizing the need for an independent judiciary as the backbone of democracy in Nigeria.

At the birthday celebration for renowned lawyer Mike Ozekhome, former President Goodluck Jonathan raised significant concerns about the judiciary’s impact on Nigeria’s democracy. In a joint appearance with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Jonathan emphasized that recent judicial decisions could destabilize the political landscape.

Highlighting a controversial ruling that permitted a ward chairman to expel a national chairman of a political party, Jonathan warned that such decisions undermine the structural integrity essential for political stability. “This judgment has turned the cone upside down,” he stated, arguing that it fosters instability within political parties and jeopardizes democratic governance.

Jonathan stressed the necessity of a strong, independent judiciary as a cornerstone of democracy. He urged legal professionals to resist external political influences, asserting that justice must be served impartially. “If the courts fail to address this issue, it could lead to widespread instability in the political system, affecting us all,” he remarked.

He also expressed concern about the overwhelming volume of election-related litigation in Nigeria, contrasting it with practices in other nations where such disputes are handled more effectively. “Most countries do not experience this level of court involvement in electoral matters,” he noted, calling for reforms to streamline the judiciary’s role in political processes.

Jonathan’s statements resonated with broader worries among political leaders regarding the judiciary’s influence on the democratic framework. He concluded by urging collective action to fortify the rule of law, asserting that without a stable legal foundation, political victories could easily be undermined.

While honoring Ozekhome’s contributions to law and society, the event also served as a vital platform for discussing the pressing need for judicial reform and its implications for Nigeria’s democratic future.