PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu today ordered the release of minors arrested, detained and charged to court for alleged involvement in the EndBadGovernance protests, following widespread outrage over their recent arraignment.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing the State House correspondents shortly after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers.
The arrest, detention and subsequent arraignment of the boy protesters sparked national backlash, with many Nigerians and human rights groups condemning what they described as inhumane and unjust treatment of children.
Many argued that the harsh response to peaceful demonstrators, especially minors, violated fundamental rights and set a troubling precedent for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
The ICIR reports that during the #EndBadGovernance protests, which drew thousands of Nigerians to the streets in a movement advocating for governmental transparency, accountability and an end to police brutality, several young protesters were arrested and detained. Among those detained were minors, reportedly held in various facilities under challenging conditions.
Recall that the minors who appeared in court on Friday, November 1, have been charged with a 10-count charge bordering on alleged treason and as conspiracy to commit a felony with intent to destabilise Nigeria, an offence contrary to Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Act.
However, the incident was heightened when some minors, who were among 76 persons set to be arraigned by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), collapsed in the court on Friday, October 1.
One of the defendants slumped while the judge was reading the charges.
While announcing the President’s directive for their release, the information minister stated that it was without prejudice to whatever legal processes that are ongoing.
Tinubu further directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to promptly attend to the welfare of the minors and to assist in facilitating their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they may be in the country.
The minister also stated that a committee spearheaded by the humanitarian affairs ministry would be set up to look at issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and their release of the minors.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M