Chief Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has announced his intention to sue the federal government for violating children’s right to education, despite the release of minors detained for protesting poor governance, as required by the Child Rights Act.
Falana made his comments during the launch of a book titled *Judicial Terrorism: A Macabre Trial and Death Sentences on Major General Zamani Lekwot and 5 Others on the Zangon Kataf Crisis* by Mr. Richard Akinola at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.
At the event, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, noted that even after three decades of civil rule, military influences continue to persist within Nigeria’s judicial system.
He elaborated that in 2019, when the Buhari administration questioned its influence over Chief Justice of Nigeria Walter Onnoghen, it resorted to using the Code of Conduct Tribunal to falsely accuse him of asset declaration discrepancies, resulting in his removal. Onnoghen was only acquitted in November 2024.
Falana also shared his experience from a recent court session, where 119 Nigerians, including 29 minors, were brought in. He stated that the government was too embarrassed to continue with the case in an open court, leading to the withdrawal of trivial charges and the release of the minors.
However, he emphasized that simply ending the trial is not enough. These children, who should have been in school, need rehabilitation. Should the government fail in this regard, he plans to take legal action, as it is their obligation under the Child Rights Law. He highlighted that Section 15 mandates free, compulsory education up to junior secondary school, and they will advocate for this education to extend to senior secondary school.
