President Bola Tinubu directed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on Monday to facilitate the release of minors detained in connection with August’s #EndBadGovernance protests. The protests, marked by participants waving Russian flags, led to the detention of 76 individuals, including 30 minors, charged with treason and inciting military intervention against the government.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris announced the directive, explaining that Tinubu prioritized humanitarian concerns in the decision to release the minors. He also emphasized the government’s responsibility to balance legal processes with compassion.
The Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi, has ordered a closer examination of the minors’ cases, with plans to accelerate legal proceedings. The AGF instructed the police to transfer case files to his office, signaling a move toward possibly dropping charges against the minors. Court proceedings are expected to advance soon.
Additionally, Tinubu has called for the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee the well-being of the minors and facilitate their return to their families. The President further established an Administrative Committee to review all related procedures, including the minors’ arrest, detention conditions, and treatment, with disciplinary action against any misconduct by law enforcement.
In response, civil society groups have expressed outrage over the detention conditions and called for government accountability, including compensation and rehabilitation for the minors. The President’s action has received praise for showing compassion, yet opposition voices argue that the government could have prevented the initial arrests, which they claim have tainted Nigeria’s international image.
The matter, which has stirred national concern, highlights a critical moment for Nigerian governance as authorities navigate public response to law enforcement practices amid growing demands for justice.
