About five malnourished teenagers, numbering about five, collapsed just minutes after their arraignment began at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

Recall that the defendants, 125 in total, were charged with terrorism by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano State.

The defendants were divided into two batches of 76 and 49 for arraignment before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

As the first batch was called, some defendants suddenly fell while mounting the dock.

The judge promptly suspended proceedings and summoned health officials from the court’s clinic to attend to those who collapsed.

According to defense lawyer Marshall Abubakar, the collapse was due to hunger and ill-health.

Most defendants are said to be teenagers, around 12 years old.

He said: “All these young children are sick and hungry. They have been kept in police custody for weeks without food and proper medical care. They are sick and need proper attention. That is the cause of these unfortunate developments.”