President Bola Tinubu orders release of minors arrested for hunger protests

November 04, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has directed the immediate release of all minors arrested and arraigned for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, according to Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris.

The president’s order comes after widespread outrage over the arrest and detention of 72 minors, who were accused of treason and other charges.

The minors, arrested in various states including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024.

Many appeared gaunt and poorly fed, with some collapsing in court.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted N10 million bail to the 72 minors.

President Tinubu’s directive also includes providing welfare support to the minors and ensuring their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians. A committee, spearheaded by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and release of the minors.

The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had earlier directed the police to transfer the case file to his office for review.

This move followed intense criticism from Nigerians, including former presidential candidates, civil society organizations, human rights activists, and regional socio-political groups, who condemned the government’s action.

The release of the minors will bring relief to their families and communities, who had been advocating for their freedom.