Abuja-based Human Rights Radio and television station, Brekete Family,
temporarily went off the air on Monday to protest the detention of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest that took place in August this year.
This was confirmed in an official statement released on Monday by the media platform on X.
According to the founder of the station, Ahmed Isah, the station would remain closed until Tuesday.
He added that it would go off air again on Wednesday when the show would open its lines for public opinions on the issue.
According to the statement, the decision was a part of the organisation’s commitment to defending the rights of the less privileged and holding authorities accountable.
It called on all well-meaning Nigerians and international bodies to join hands with the organisation in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the children.
“Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) shuts down partially in protest of the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children,” the statement said.
“This decision reflects our deep commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable,” it added.
“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.”
In a Daily Trust report on Monday, the move was also announced by Isah, during an appearance on the popular breakfast show, Brekete Family.
According to the report, Isah who is the regular host of the weekday programme was absent from the studio on Monday morning, but called in by 8.20 am to express his disgust at the situation.
Isah who expressed shocked at the condition of the children who had been arraigned on Friday, expressed deep frustration and concern at the situation.
He then ordered that the station should be shut down as a form of protest.
“Human Rights Radio will remain closed until Tuesday, pending further discussion on the matter,” Isah had said.
The arrest of the minors has widespread flaks and intense pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Last week, pictures of the detained children were 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.
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