Brekete Family, a human rights radio and television station based in Abuja, has temporarily gone off the air in protest against the detention of minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement released on X on Monday, the station confirmed the partial shutdown. The statement read: “Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) is partially shutting down to protest the Nigerian government’s detention of underage children. This decision reflects our commitment to defending the rights of the vulnerable and holding authorities accountable. We call on all concerned Nigerians and international organizations to join us in demanding the immediate and unconditional release of these children. Until justice is served, we stand in solidarity with the voiceless.”
Ahmed Isah, the station’s owner, announced this decision during his popular breakfast show, Brekete Family. Notably absent from the studio on Monday morning, Isah called in around 8:20 AM to express his dismay over the situation and shared his frustration after seeing the condition of the detained minors, who had been arraigned on Friday.
“Human Rights Radio will remain closed until Tuesday, pending further discussions,” Isah stated, adding that it would go off air again until Wednesday when the show would open lines for public opinion on the issue.
The detention of the minors has drawn widespread condemnation and increased pressure on President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Last week, images of the detained children circulated online, leading to public outrage over the arraignment of 76 suspects, including 32 minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja for participating in the protests in August. Civil society groups and rights activists have criticized the police and government over this matter.
On Saturday, the Nigerian Correctional Service denied claims that juvenile defendants from the protests were being held in adult facilities at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. Following the arraignment, the judge ordered that the underage defendants be placed in a borstal facility, while adults would be held in standard cells until their bail conditions were met.
The station’s decision to protest has elicited mixed reactions on X. Some users praised the initiative, while others criticized it. A user with the handle #SureNigerian commented, “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_, added, “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.”
Conversely, Adnan Abdullahi Adam, using #realadnantweet, stated, “Tinubu’s government is doing a horrible job. His government is arresting minors and fining them 10 million Naira each, while big politicians who are looting are walking free.” Meanwhile, a user known as #Hausatechguy expressed support with “The Voice of the Voiceless #Istandwithbrekete.” Another user, #Holyface21, remarked, “Media platforms like this should not be closed in solidarity with the oppressed; they should be used to continually support them.”
