President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria in August.
This decision follows widespread public outrage after 72 minors were arraigned in court for their participation in these demonstrations.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced the President’s directive to reporters after Tinubu swore in seven new ministers on November 4, 2024.
The President emphasized that the release of the minors should proceed regardless of any ongoing legal processes.
Additionally, Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the welfare of the minors and assist in reuniting them with their parents or guardians.
A committee led by the humanitarian affairs ministry will also be established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrests, detention, and treatment.
The arrests had taken place in various states, including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, with reports indicating that some of the minors appeared malnourished and fainted in court.
A Federal High Court judge granted bail of N10 million each to the detained minors on November 1, 2024.
The public reacted strongly against the government’s actions, with former presidential candidates, civil society organizations, and human rights activists expressing their condemnation.
Following the backlash, the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that his office would review the case and directed the police to transfer the case file for further action.
