A prominent human rights-focused radio and television station headquartered in Abuja, Brekete Family, has opted for a temporary shutdown in protest over the detention of minors connected to the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.
In a post shared Monday on their official X account, the station confirmed its decision to go off the air, denouncing the government’s handling of the young protestors.
The station’s statement emphasized their commitment to championing the rights of vulnerable individuals and holding authorities accountable.
“Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) shuts down partially in protest of the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children,” the statement read. “This decision reflects our deep commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable. We call on all well-meaning Nigerians and international bodies to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of these children. Until justice is served, we stand firm in solidarity with the voiceless.”
The station’s founder and popular host of its daily program, Brekete Family, Ahmed Isah, announced the protest action during Monday’s broadcast, though he was notably absent from the studio.
Calling in around 8:20 a.m., Isah expressed shock and dismay after witnessing the children’s condition at their recent court arraignment on Friday. Disheartened by their plight, he directed the station to suspend its broadcasting as a symbolic protest.
“Human Rights Radio will remain closed until Tuesday, pending further discussion on the matter,” he stated, later adding that the station would go off air again until Wednesday, when it plans to invite public opinion on the issue.
The minors’ detention has sparked an outcry from civil society and rights groups, who have criticized the police and government for targeting youth involved in peaceful demonstrations.
This controversy erupted after images of detained minors circulated online, prompting widespread condemnation of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Last week, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court arraigned 76 protestors, including 32 minors, for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August.
Following the hearing, the judge ordered that juvenile defendants be held in a borstal facility, while adult detainees would remain in standard correctional cells until their bail conditions were satisfied.
The Nigerian Correctional Service responded Saturday to growing concerns, denying allegations that juvenile detainees had been confined with adults at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
The service reiterated its compliance with the judge’s order to separate minors from adult detainees.
On social media, Brekete Family’s protest has stirred mixed reactions. While many users applauded the station for taking a stand, others questioned the effectiveness of shutting down a platform meant to amplify marginalized voices.
#SureNigerian commented, “How does shutting down make sense? You should be using your voice online to draw attention to their plight, not shutting down.”
Similarly, #starleeon_ shared, “Unless you are working behind the scenes to secure their release, partially shutting down is not the way to go. Use your platform to raise awareness for their unconditional release.” On the other hand, #realadnantweet criticized the administration directly, stating, “Tinubu’s govt is doing a horrible job. His government arresting minors fining them to pay 10 million Naira each. At the same time big politicians who are looting people’s money are walking freely.”
Supporters like #Hausatechguy posted, “The Voice of the Voiceless #Istandwithbrekete,” while #Holyface21 urged the station to stay active, “I think media platforms like this should not be closed in solidarity of the oppressed, rather be used to continually support them.”
This bold action by Brekete Family has brought renewed attention to the broader issue of government accountability and the protection of young protestors, intensifying pressure on authorities to review their handling of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
