In a significant turn of events, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests held across Nigeria in August. This directive was announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Ibrahim Idris, during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
Idris revealed that the President’s instructions include the immediate dropping of all charges against the minors. This decision comes in response to widespread public outrage following the arrest and subsequent arraignment of minors, which had sparked a national conversation about the treatment of young protesters.
“The President has directed that all minors arrested in connection with the protests should be released without prejudice to any ongoing legal processes,” Idris stated. He emphasized that this move reflects the administration’s commitment to upholding the rights of minors and addressing public concerns.
In addition to the release, President Tinubu has tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction with ensuring the welfare of the released minors. The ministry has been instructed to facilitate a smooth reunion between the minors and their parents or guardians across the country.
To address the broader implications of these arrests, the President has announced the formation of a committee. This committee, to be led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention, and treatment of the minors involved in the protests.
The events leading to this directive unfolded dramatically when 72 minors were presented before a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024. They faced serious charges, including treason, which sparked immediate condemnation from various sectors of Nigerian society.
Witnesses in the courtroom described the minors as appearing gaunt and poorly nourished, with some collapsing during the proceedings. The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted bail set at N10 million for the minors, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Public outrage has been palpable, with former presidential candidates, civil society organizations, human rights activists, and regional socio-political groups decrying the government’s handling of the situation. Many expressed shock that the minors had been detained for over eight weeks amidst rising tensions related to hunger and the high cost of living in Nigeria.
In the wake of this mounting criticism, Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, issued a statement indicating his office would review the matter to make an informed decision. He directed the police to transfer the case files to his office and coordinate with the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, signaling a potential reevaluation of the legal approach towards the minors’ cases.
