President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors detained by the Nigerian police in connection with last August’s protests, underscoring a compassionate approach to justice even as legal proceedings unfold. The President’s order, announced by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, on Monday, comes amidst growing public outrage over the detention of 76 protesters, including 30 minors, charged with treason after waving Russian flags during #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
According to Idris, Tinubu stressed the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns without compromising due process. “The President has directed the immediate release of all minors arrested without prejudice to ongoing legal processes,” Idris stated. The release aims to restore the minors to their families and provide essential care.
The minors’ arrests came as Nigeria witnessed widespread #EndBadGovernance protests, ignited by public discontent over economic hardship. Police detained the protesters, including the young detainees aged 13-17, in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano. During the arraignment, civil rights advocates condemned the harsh conditions and prolonged detention of the youths, prompting Tinubu’s intervention.
Beyond the release, the President has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to prioritise the welfare of the minors, with a plan for reunification with their families. Tinubu has also established an administrative committee to review all aspects of the minors’ detention and treatment. “This committee will oversee the situation to ensure there is no recurrence of these unfortunate events,” Idris affirmed.
In parallel, Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the actions of law enforcement agents involved in the minors’ arrests and handling. “Any misconduct identified will be met with appropriate disciplinary measures,” added the Minister. This mandate reflects the government’s sensitivity to public sentiment while ensuring that responsible authorities are held accountable.
Legal observers noted that following the President’s directive, Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has expedited review of the charges, with the case file now transferred to the Federal Director of Public Prosecutions. The Federal High Court is expected to reconvene for further proceedings this week, with indications that charges against the minors may soon be dropped.
The arrests have sparked criticism from across Nigeria, with rights advocates arguing that minors should not have faced severe charges. The Child Rights Act, they emphasised, prioritises the best interests of children, which advocates say was disregarded. “Detaining minors alongside adults under harsh conditions is an abomination,” said Okechukwu Nwaguma of the Rule of Law Advocacy and Accountability Centre, who called on the government to issue a public apology.
The move has seen rare consensus across opposition lines, with many welcoming the President’s decision. Labour Party spokesperson Obiora Ifoh acknowledged the release as a relief for traumatised families but argued that the administration’s handling left a stain on Tinubu’s government. “This dent on their human rights record will linger,” he said.
Similarly, Peoples Democratic Party Deputy Publicity Secretary Ibrahim Abdullahi condemned the administration’s “avoidable error,” while the National Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Dipo Olaoyoku, urged caution. “Why wait until this becomes an international embarrassment?” he queried, though he commended Tinubu for ultimately intervening.
With the youth now set for release, many are calling for broader reforms. Civil society groups demand further assurances that minors and vulnerable groups will not face undue hardship in future protests. As the administration looks to close this chapter, the spotlight remains on whether the President’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s young citizens will prompt lasting change in the justice system.
