A mild drama unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday when five minors arrested during the August #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests collapsed in the courtroom while standing trial for alleged treasonable felony and attempting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s government.
One of the malnourished minors first slumped before four others also collapsed on the floor of the courtroom.
The court was thrown into confusion when the defendants who were mainly minors were asked to enter the dock.
Some lawyers and court officials hurriedly revived the minors before they were rushed to the hospital. The situation temporarily halted the court proceedings.
Following the incident, the prosecution requested to withdraw the charges against them on health grounds in line with Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The defence counsel, Abubakar Marshal, insisted that the minors should be handed over to their parents.
VIDEO: Malnourished Minors Detained Over #EndBadGovernance Protests Collapse In Abuja High Court During Arraignment pic.twitter.com/C0cOKNJ24a
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) November 1, 2024