Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Monday that President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of detained minors, who had been held in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Idris shared this information with reporters after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers recently confirmed by the Senate.
The President’s directive emphasizes that the minors should be released without affecting ongoing legal processes.
Additionally, Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the children’s welfare and facilitate their return to their families or guardians across the country.
The President also mandated the formation of a committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release of the minors.
The situation drew public outrage on November 1, 2024, when 72 minors were brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja, facing charges such as treason after participating in protests in cities like Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
Many of the children appeared malnourished, with some collapsing in court. Judge Obiora Egwuatu granted them bail, set at N10 million.
The prolonged detention of the minors—who had been held for over eight weeks—sparked widespread condemnation, including from former presidential candidates, civil society groups, human rights activists, and socio-political organizations.
In response to the public backlash, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi quickly released a statement indicating that his office would review the case to make an informed decision.
He then instructed the police to transfer the case file to his office for assessment by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation.