Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Detained for Hunger Protests

President Tinubu has directed the release of minors who were detained for participating in hunger protests, emphasizing compassion and understanding for the nation’s youth. Learn more about this directive and its significance.

In response to public outcry over the arrest and trial of minors involved in August’s #EndBadGovernance protests across various regions, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all those detained.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, revealed this to State House correspondents on Monday following the President’s swearing-in of seven newly appointed ministers who had been approved by the Senate.

The minister stated that the President has instructed the immediate release of the minors, without affecting any ongoing legal proceedings.

The President also instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to promptly address the well-being of these minors and actively participate in facilitating their seamless reunification with their parents or guardians, regardless of their location within the country.

Tinubu also instructed the establishment of a committee, led by the humanitarian affairs ministry, to examine all aspects related to the arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release of the minors.

On Friday, November 1, 2024, anger and disgust swept through Nigeria as the police presented 72 minors at a Federal High Court in Abuja for their involvement in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

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The defendants, charged with treason and other offenses, were apprehended in locations such as Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. Some appeared emaciated and malnourished to the point of collapsing in court.

Judge Obiora Egwuatu granted bail set at N10 million for 72 minors who were brought before the court.

Numerous Nigerians, among them former presidential candidates, civil society organizations, human rights activists, and regional socio-political groups were outraged upon discovering that the minors had been held for more than eight weeks following the nationwide protests against hunger and the rising cost of living.

Amid the widespread national criticism of the government’s actions, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi quickly issued a statement indicating that his office “will need to review the matter in order to make an informed decision.”

Fagbemi promptly instructed the police to transfer the case file to his office and deliver it to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF).