Brekete Family, a Human Rights Radio and Television station based in Abuja, has temporarily gone off the air in protest of the detention of minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.
An official statement released by the prominent media station on X on Monday confirmed the partial shutdown.
The statement read, “Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) shuts down partially in protest of the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children.
“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.”
Meanwhile, according to a Daily Trust report on Monday, this move was also announced by Ahmed Isah, the station’s owner, during an appearance on the popular breakfast show, Brekete Family.
According to the agency, Isah, known for hosting the weekday programme, was notably absent from the studio on Monday morning. He called in around 8.20 am to share his dismay over the situation.
The agency noted that Isah stated that he was shocked by the condition of the children, who had been arraigned on Friday. Expressing deep frustration, he instructed that the station be shut down as a form of protest.
“Human Rights Radio will remain closed until Tuesday, pending further discussion on the matter,” he said.
He added that it would go off air again until Wednesday when the show would open its lines for public opinions on the issue.
The arrest of the minors has sparked widespread condemnation and increased pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Last week, images of the detained children circulated online, leading to public outrage.
Nigerians expressed outrage over the arraignment of 76 suspects, including 32 minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja division of the Federal High Court for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
Civil society groups and rights activists slammed the police and the government over the matter.
On Saturday, the Nigerian Correctional Service refuted claims that juvenile defendants from the recent #EndBadGovernance protests were detained in adult custodial facilities at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Following the arraignment of 76 individuals in connection with the protests, the judge ordered that underage defendants be placed in a borstal facility while adults would be remanded in standard cells until their bail conditions were met.
Meanwhile, there are mixed reactions under the X post, with some commending and others opposing the station’s stance.
Foundational Nigerian with the handle #SureNigerian, wrote, “How does shutting down make sense? You should be using your voice online to draw attention to their plight not shutting down.”
Starleeon, with handle #starleeon_, reacted, “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.”
In another post, Adnan Abdullahi Adam using #realadnantweet, commented, “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.”
For Hausa Tech Guy with the handle #Hausatechguy, he wrote, “The Voice of the Voiceless #Istandwithbrekete”
BILALI with handle #Holyface21, posted, “I think media platforms like this should not be closed in solidarity of the oppressed, rather be used to continually support them.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
