EDITORIAL: When a court of law becomes insane

Yesterday’s disturbing events at the Federal High Court in Abuja have left our nation reeling.

Five teenagers, among 118 defendants, collapsed during arraignment on treason charges.

They have been charged for allegedly plotting to overthrow the Nigerian by participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Arrested in Kano State in the North, and later ferried to Abuja, the youngsters have spent 94 days in custody amid torture and starvation.

They were said to chanted anti-government slogans, calling for military intervention, and carrying foreign flags.

But can we truly expect justice when the accused are minors, weakened by hunger and illness?

The inhumane conditions under which they are held in police custody are a blight on our nation’s conscience.

The judge’s decision to grant bail with very stringent conditions that are yet to be met, raises concerns about the fairness of the trial.

How can we ensure justice is served when the accused are underaged, traumatized and weakened? Did they really understand, or comprehend the implication of their action? And when did peaceful demonstration become a crime in a democratic setting?

Rather than addressing the grievances, the Nigerian government has chosen to silence dissenting voices. This approach will only exacerbate the problems, fueling more unrest and undermining our democracy.

Diaspora Digital Media cannot ignore the systemic issues that led to this shameful episode.

Nigeria’s justice system must prioritize compassion, transparency, and accountability.

The world watches as our nation struggles to uphold the fundamental rights of its citizens.

Nigeria’s reputation hangs in the balance.

The international community is watching, and history will judge us harshly if we fail to act.

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