Nearly 30 children in Nigeria could soon be sentenced to death following their arraignment on Friday. The children, all of whom are minors, were criminally charged after participating in protests against the country's soaring cost of living.
A total of 76 people, including 29 minors ages 14 to 17, were arrested during widespread anti-government protests in August. All individuals were charged with treason, destruction of property, and mutiny in connection to the protests.
The majority of the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during their arraignment last Friday. However, four of the children collapsed on the courtroom floor before they could enter a plea, as first reported by AP News, citing the charge sheet.
What Led to the Protests
There have been widespread protests in Nigeria due to the country's economic crisis. Despite being one of the top producers of crude oil in Africa, Nigeria remains one of the poorest countries in the world, largely due to chronic corruption.
The protests were spurred by the rising cost of living in the country. For instance, fuel prices have more than doubled after President Bola Tinubu removed fuel subsidies. As of early August, petrol was sold at 1,300 naira ($0.78) per liter.
The naira, Nigeria's currency, also lost its value due to loosened currency controls. For perspective, $1 is currently equal to 1,643 Nigerian nairas as of 5 p.m. ET.
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Additionally, overall inflation rates in the country reached 34.19% in June, while food inflation hit 40.87%. Food prices have doubled and even tripled in some areas, forcing some to resort to nearly rotten tomatoes, lower-grade rice, and fewer meals, according to BBC News.
What Will Happen to the Children?
All defendants, including the minors, were granted 10 million naira ($5,900) bail. It is unclear when the sentencing will be held.
Many have stepped forward to criticize the Nigerian government's decision to prosecute the children.
"The chief justice of Nigeria should be ashamed, she is a woman and a mother," Yemi Adamolekun, executive director of Enough is Enough, said.
Nigeria's news website Punch also reported that the Minister of Justice and Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi has taken action to drop the charges against the minors.
