The Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) Coordinator, Bayo Akinlade, Esq. vehemently condemns the arrest, detention, arraignment, and court ruling on the 32 hungry children docked for treason for participating in “End Bad Governance Protest”
An outspoken advocate against corruption in the judiciary and a determined supporter of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) has joined fellow human rights advocates to denounce the unacceptable treatment of young boys wrongfully suspected of terrorism.
Akinlade boldly questions, “What kind of investigation could possibly lead to the conclusion that these boys—who resemble everyday almajiri children on the streets of the North—are suddenly perceived as terrorists with the capability to disrupt our government?”
He asserts, “Terrorism is a grave offence that transcends merely waving foreign flags at public protests. True terrorists are covert, well-organized, and meticulously funded; they possess manifestos aimed at successfully overthrowing governments. Those of us familiar with such narratives, whether through films or personal experiences during military coups, understand the complexities of these actions.”
He continues forcefully: “It is utterly disgraceful that these boys have been dragged into a courtroom only to be treated with such blatant disregard for justice and equity. This situation is nothing short of a scandal.”
Akinlade does not hold back his disappointment, stating, “I refuse to remain silent; I am profoundly disheartened by the state of our judiciary. Whatever facts were presented to his lordship, he should have sought counsel from legal experts and those with a deep understanding of child protection laws. It is not only insensitive but entirely unacceptable to unleash the full force of the law on these misguided children.”
Furthermore, Mr. Akinlade unequivocally condemns the police for their egregious actions, particularly for detaining the children beyond the constitutionally mandated time frame and for failing to escalate the case to the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before arraignment.
This gross negligence cannot be tolerated.
