#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Minors Facing Trial
President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of minors facing trial for involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest, a case that sparked national outcry due to charges of treason and public disturbance. The directive addresses growing concerns from political and civil society groups over the treatment of minors in Nigeria’s legal system.
President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all the minors facing trial in court over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest without prejudice to the law.
A total of 76 people, including 32 children ranging between 14 and 17 years in age were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and mutiny.
Ugly scenes of the minors fainting while in court sparked an uproar from politicians and civil society organisations.
Tinubu's directive followed both national and international outrage occsioned by the appearance of hungry and haggard looking kids who appeated in an Abuja court for trial over treason on Friday following their valleged involvement in last August's nationwide protests over economic hardship..
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, spoke while addressing State House Correspondents in Abuja on Monday evening.
The Tinubu administration had faced serious criticisms following the appearance of the minors in court.
Those opposed to the prosecution of the minors contend that a government that deprives its children of education, healthcare, shelter, sanitation, and hygiene; that holds them for 93 days without sufficient food, clothing, or medical care; and that imposes an unachievable bail condition of N10 million along with two sureties in the like sum for the accused persons who come from very poor background before the adjourned date of January 25, 2025 should be held accountable rather than the kids.
However, apparently reacting to the international outrage as well as ultimatum from various groups, Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to see to the welfare of the minors, who were brought to court dehumanised and malnourished.
Four of the minors who looked gaunt and sick fainted in court.
Minister Idris said that Tinubu directed all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest, detention and prosecution of the minors be investigated pointing that anyone found culpable, should face appropriate disciplinary action.
According to the Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, in his reaction, "The footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment."
Amnesty International and SERAP, also condemned the minors’ “horrifying detentions for participating in protests against hunger and corruption”, describing the development as “one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly,” in the country.
However, apparently reacting to the international outrage as well as ultimatum from various groups, Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to see to the welfare of the minors, who were brought to court dehumanised and malnourished.
Four of the minors who looked gaunt and sick fainted in court.
Minister Idris said that Tinubu directed all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest, detention and prosecution of the minors be investigated pointing that anyone found culpable, should face appropriate disciplinary action.
According to the Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, in his reaction, "The footage reveals minors, some so weak that they could barely stand, others fainting from sheer exhaustion and lack of nourishment."
Amnesty International and SERAP, also condemned the minors’ “horrifying detentions for participating in protests against hunger and corruption”, describing the development as “one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly,” in the country.
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