House Minority Caucus Calls for Compensation for Detained Minors

The House of Representatives’ Minority Caucus is advocating for compensation for minors who were arrested and held by the police for three months after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.

It is important to remember that these minors faced charges including terrorism, treasonable felony, and arson.

In a statement issued on Friday, the caucus called for an investigation into the actions of those responsible for the minors’ detention, along with other youth who were involved in the protests held in August.

This statement received endorsements from key members, including Minority Leader Rep. Kingsley Chinda and Minority Whip Dr. Ali Isa J.C.

The caucus stressed the importance of accountability and support for the affected individuals, noting that the incident has raised significant national and international concern.

While acknowledging President Bola Tinubu’s role in securing the release of the detained protesters, the Minority Caucus demanded a comprehensive inquiry and appropriate sanctions for those accountable.

“Holding these young individuals for 95 days—time which could have been spent on education or work—is intolerable,” they asserted, urging that justice is necessary to prevent similar future incidents.

Furthermore, the caucus raised alarms regarding the potential psychological and health issues the youths may have faced during their time in detention, calling on the government to offer necessary therapeutic and medical assistance to help them reintegrate into society.

They also proposed compensation packages aimed at alleviating the difficulties and emotional distress endured by the youths and their families throughout their extended detention.

The statement concluded, “Aware of the psychological distress and health problems that the minors may have endured, we urge that they receive effective therapeutic care and medical help as they return to their families.”

“Moreover, we demand prompt compensation packages for these young individuals and their families to ease the significant hardship, suffering, and emotional distress caused by their wrongful detention.”