Abuja’s Human Rights Radio and Television station, Brekete Family, has taken a bold step by shutting down broadcast in protest of the arrest of minors during the recent #EndBadGovernance protest.
This temporary shutdown announced on Monday on their X (formerly Twitter) handle is a stand against what the station considers injustice against the youth.
The station’s statement read, “Human Rights Radio and Television (Brekete Family) has shut down partially in protest against the Nigerian government’s detention of minors. This is our stand for the rights of the vulnerable and demand for accountability from those in power.”
The station also called on Nigerian citizens and international organisations to support their demand for the release of these children immediately, “Until justice is served we stand with the voiceless.”
This was also corroborated by Ahmed Isah, the founder and host of Brekete Family morning show. He was not on air on Monday but joined by phone around 8:20am to express his shock over the state of the minors after they were arraigned. He directed the station to shut down until Tuesday, “Human Rights Radio will be silent until further discussion on this matter.”
He also said the station will shut down again on Wednesday to open up public opinion on the case.
Photos of the minors went viral last week and has been calling out the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to act. The issue gained traction after 76 persons including 32 minors were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Federal High Court for their involvement in the August protest. This has been met with public outcry as civil society organisations have condemned the arrest and the manner of arraignment.
On Saturday, the Nigerian Correctional Service said these juveniles were not being kept in adult cells at Kuje Correctional Centre. The court had ordered that underage defendants should be kept in borstal facility while adults should be kept in regular cells pending bail.
The action has generated mixed reactions on X. While some users praised the move, others wondered if the temporary shutdown would achieve the desired effect. A user, Foundational Nigerian (#SureNigerian) said, “How does shutting down help? Use your voice online to amplify their plight instead.” Another user, Starleeon (#starleeon_) also said, “Unless you’re actively working to get them released, going off-air might not be the best approach. Use your platform to keep their story alive.”
Meanwhile, Adnan Abdullahi Adam (#realadnantweet) said the government is failing, “Tinubu’s administration is failing. They’re arresting children and fining them millions while corrupt officials roam free”. Others like Hausa Tech Guy (#Hausatechguy) said #Istandwithbrekete. But some like BILALI (#Holyface21) suggested an alternative, “Rather than shutting down, media should stay on air to support those affected”.
As Brekete Family continues to protest, the station remains a beacon for media activism and the fight for justice in Nigeria.
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