Victor Ezeja
Following a widespread condemnation and international embarrassment, President Bola Tinubu has directed the relevant authorities, including the Attorney General of the Federation to do everything possible to ensure the immediate release of minors arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police for alleged involvement in the August 1 -10 #EndBadGovernance protests.
Tinubu’s directive came after series of pressures on the Federal Government to drop the charges against dozens of minors, coupled with growing outrage over their detention condition.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA statement released by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the president ‘s directive is that the minors should be released “without prejudice to whatever legal processes are ongoing.”
The statement added that the president also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure the safe return of all the minors to their families. It added that an investigation has been opened into the circumstances leading to their prolonged detention.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who announced the development to State House correspondents in Abuja on Monday evening said the president also ordered an investigation into the actions of law enforcement agents involved in the arrest, detention, and prosecution of the minors, with disciplinary action to be taken against those found culpable.
A total of 76 people, including 30 children, were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and mutiny.
The minors, between aged between 12 and 17, were arrested in different parts of northern Nigeria and detained in Abuja for about 93 days.
A video that went viral showed some of the minors who collapsed during their appearance at the Federal High Court due to exhaustion, forcing the trial judge to adjourn the case till January.
This incident and the N10 million bail condition imposed on the kids have sparked more outrage as many human rights activists criticised the government’s action, saying that for denying them access to sufficient food, clothing, healthcare, education, shelter, and hygiene, it should be held accountable.
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi condemned the continued detention of the minors and poor treatment on them. “The footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment. These children appeared visibly malnourished and starved—a condition that should alarm the conscience of every citizen in our nation,” Obi had stated on Friday.
READ ALSO: Trial Of Alleged Minors For Treason And Implication For Nigeria
Commenting on the incident, Amnesty International said: “The ill-treatments the minors were subjected to – solely for exercising the right to peaceful protest – exposes a deliberate strategy to crush the vibrant spirit of the country’s youth and stop them from demanding accountability, freedom and human rights.”
The international human rights group while welcoming the President’s order for the release of the minors, called on the Nigerian leader to also “order a transparent investigation of the alleged deliberate starvation of the minors as a result of detention in a deplorable condition, with deprivation of food and other basic needs, that put their physical and mental health at grave danger.”
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East), has applauded President Tinubu for directing the immediate release of minors.
Senator Musa said the president’s directive “demonstrates a profound commitment to justice and humanity and reflects a true spirit of leadership. It is both a relief and a source of reassurance for families affected by these unfortunate incidents.”
He also called for thorough investigation to ensure accountability and called on all stakeholders to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
