ABUJA, Nigeria – Following widespread public outrage over the detention and arraignment of minors who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all detained minors.
The directive, aimed at addressing the growing discontent surrounding the government’s handling of the protests, was announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers at the State House.
According to Idris, Tinubu’s directive ensures that the minors will be released without prejudice to any ongoing legal proceedings.
Additionally, the president instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to attend to the minors’ welfare and ensure their safe reunion with their families across the country.
In a further step, Tinubu ordered the formation of a committee, led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to investigate the circumstances of the minors’ arrest, detention conditions, and eventual release.
This committee will assess the treatment of detained minors to provide a transparent account and help prevent future occurrences.
Public Backlash and Legal Actions
The directive comes in the wake of a significant public backlash after 72 minors were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1.
The detainees, many of whom appeared malnourished and visibly distressed, faced charges of treason and other serious accusations related to their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Reports indicated that some minors collapsed in court due to exhaustion and poor treatment.
Judge Obiora Egwuatu granted the minors bail at N10 million each, drawing further criticism from civil society organisations, human rights activists, former presidential candidates, and socio-political groups who condemned the prolonged detention of the minors, some of whom had been held for over eight weeks.
The protests themselves, held across states including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, centred on rising hunger and the high cost of living.
Attorney General Intervenes
In response to the escalating condemnation, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi intervened, directing the police to transfer the case file to his office.
In a statement, Fagbemi expressed the need to review the matter thoroughly, allowing him to make an “informed decision” on the minors’ cases.
The AGF ordered that the file be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) for further handling.
President Tinubu’s directive to release the minors marks a pivotal step in addressing public concern over the treatment of protest participants.
As the government pledges to review its response to the #EndBadGovernance protests, activists and citizens await further developments on safeguarding the rights of those who participate in peaceful demonstrations.
