There has been widespread outrage in Nigeria over the potential death sentences facing 29 children accused of participating in protests against the cost-of-living crisis.
The minors, aged 14 to 17, were part of a group of 76 individuals charged in court on Friday. The charges include treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and inciting a military coup.
During the proceedings, four of the children collapsed from exhaustion before entering a plea. Reports indicate they have been in police custody since August.
Protests erupted across Nigeria in August against economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, which have led to soaring inflation and increased hardship for many citizens. Despite this, President Bola Tinubu insists these reforms are essential for the country’s stability.
Security forces have faced allegations of excessive force during the protests, with Amnesty International reporting at least 13 fatalities in clashes with police.
Lawyers representing the children confirmed they were granted bail, with the case set to go to trial in January. The death penalty has been on the books in Nigeria since the 1970s, but there have been no executions since 2016.