Human Rights Radio and Television, also known as Brekete Family, based in Abuja, has temporarily suspended its broadcasts in protest against the detention of minors involved in recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The partial shutdown was announced in a statement posted on X on Monday, expressing the station’s commitment to defending human rights and calling for the immediate release of the detained children.
The statement from Brekete Family reads, “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.”
This unprecedented move was confirmed by Brekete Family’s founder, Ahmed Isah, who discussed the issue on the station’s popular breakfast show. Known for his advocacy on human rights, Isah expressed shock and frustration over the conditions faced by the children, who were reportedly arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Federal High Court. Following his announcement, the station was shut down on Monday morning, and Isah indicated it would remain off air until Tuesday. He also stated that Brekete Family would close again on Wednesday to allow listeners to express their views on the matter.
### Public Outrage Over Detention of Minors
Images circulating online last week of detained minors sparked public outrage, with widespread criticism aimed at the Tinubu administration. The detained children are part of a group of 76 individuals who were arrested for their involvement in the August #EndBadGovernance protests. The arraignment has drawn condemnation from civil society groups and rights activists, who argue that the minors should not face punitive measures for participating in peaceful protests.
Reports revealed that 32 minors were among those brought before the court, where Justice Egwuatu ordered that underage detainees be placed in juvenile facilities rather than standard adult cells. The Nigerian Correctional Service has since clarified that none of the minors were held in adult custodial centers, disputing earlier claims of mistreatment at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
### Mixed Reactions to Brekete Family’s Protest
The Brekete Family’s partial shutdown has garnered mixed responses from Nigerians on social media. Some users praised the station for standing up for the rights of the detained children, while others questioned the effectiveness of the decision.
A user with the handle #SureNigerian criticized the decision, writing, “How does shutting down make sense? You should be using your voice online to draw attention to their plight not shutting down.” Another user, #starleeon_, commented, “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.”
However, there was also support for the station’s stand. A user with the handle #Hausatechguy posted, “The Voice of the Voiceless #Istandwithbrekete,” while #Holyface21 encouraged the station to stay open and use its platform to advocate for justice, commenting, “I think media platforms like this should not be closed in solidarity of the oppressed, rather be used to continually support them.”
### Growing Pressure on the Tinubu Administration
This protest from Brekete Family adds to the mounting pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s government, which has faced criticism for detaining minors involved in demonstrations. Calls for the children’s immediate and unconditional release continue to grow, with civil rights organizations urging the government to address the public’s concerns and avoid actions that could further strain relations between the state and its citizens.
As public discourse around the detained minors intensifies, Brekete Family’s decision to temporarily go off air highlights the media’s role in advocating for justice and human rights in Nigeria. The shutdown is expected to conclude on Tuesday, with further actions potentially planned to keep the spotlight on the issue until a resolution is reached.
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