In a decisive response to the public outcry surrounding the detention of minors arrested for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Monday ordered their immediate release.
The announcement followed widespread condemnation of the government’s actions, after reports revealed that dozens of young protesters, some of whom had been held for weeks, were facing severe conditions in custody.
The protests, which took place in several states across Nigeria in August, saw citizens voicing their frustrations over persistent governance issues.
But the arrests and subsequent arraignment of minors sparked outrage, particularly after 72 children appeared in court on November 1, looking visibly malnourished and exhausted. The judge presiding over the case, Obiora Egwuatu, granted bail to the minors with a sum of N10 million each, which further fueled public discontent, as many viewed the bail conditions as exorbitant and inappropriate for minors.
The directive for the minors’ release was conveyed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who briefed State House correspondents on Monday.
Idris emphasized that President Tinubu’s decision was taken “without prejudice to ongoing legal processes,” and that the focus was on ensuring the welfare and immediate reunion of the minors with their families.
As part of this effort, President Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure their smooth reunion with their families, wherever they are in the country.
Additionally, the president has mandated the formation of a special committee, led by the humanitarian affairs ministry, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release of the children.
The detention of these young protesters had become a flashpoint for civil society groups, activists, and citizens across Nigeria.
Many Nigerians, including former presidential candidates, human rights advocates, and political commentators, voiced their dismay at what they saw as a disproportionate and harsh response from the authorities.
Social media platforms were flooded with messages of condemnation, with many calling for immediate action from the government to rectify what they deemed an infringement on the rights of minors.
Reports of the minors’ treatment during detention only intensified public anger.
Witnesses in court described the young detainees as gaunt and poorly fed, with some of them collapsing due to apparent physical weakness.
These reports raised questions about the conditions under which the children were held, the adequacy of their care, and the rationale behind such stringent charges, including treason.
In response to the backlash, Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) Lateef Fagbemi issued a statement addressing the issue.
Acknowledging the intensity of public sentiment, Fagbemi noted that his office would “look into the matter to enable [him] to take an informed decision.”
As a preliminary step, he directed the police to transfer the case files to his office for review and subsequently instructed that they be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) for further assessment.
This move was seen by many as an attempt by the government to address the situation diplomatically, especially given the perception that the initial actions taken against the minors were excessive.
With the AGF’s office now involved, there is hope that the cases against the minors may be revisited with a more measured approach, considering their age and the nature of their participation in the protests.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which have gained momentum in recent years, highlight growing discontent among Nigerians, particularly the youth, who feel disconnected from the nation’s governance structures.
Young Nigerians have been at the forefront of these protests, which aim to address issues ranging from corruption and economic stagnation to police brutality and institutional neglect.
The arrest and subsequent treatment of the minors underscore a critical need for a balanced approach to civic engagement in Nigeria, especially when it involves younger participants
Many activists argue that, rather than punitive measures, the government should be open to constructive dialogue with young citizens who are eager to see positive change in the country.
With the minors now ordered to be released, attention is turning to the steps the Tinubu administration will take to prevent similar situations in the future.
The formation of the committee to investigate the arrests and detention is seen as a constructive step toward accountability.
This committee, under the guidance of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, is expected to provide detailed recommendations on how to handle cases involving young protesters and ensure that their rights are protected in accordance with both national and international standards.
Human rights advocates are calling for more systemic reforms to address the underlying issues that led to the arrests.
They argue that such reforms could help mitigate the risk of similar incidents in the future, ensuring that young Nigerians can exercise their right to protest without fear of severe legal repercussions.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s directive to release the detained minors marks a positive step in addressing a situation that has sparked nationwide outrage.
However, it also serves as a reminder of the broader issues that need addressing in Nigeria’s approach to governance and civic engagement.
As the committee embarks on its investigation, Nigerians are hopeful that it will not only provide answers regarding the recent detentions but also pave the way for policies that promote a more inclusive and responsive government, especially in its dealings with young citizens.
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