EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Detained Minors

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, to ensure immediate release of the detained minors.

OPTIMUM TIMES reports that following public outcry over continuing detention and trial of minors for alleged treason for participating in August ,2024 nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, SERAP on Sunday gave 48 hours to President Tinubu to use his “leadership position and good offices to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to take urgent steps to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of all the #EndBadGovernance protesters including the 32 hungry and malnourished children.”

SERAP had cited that: “According to reports, 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters including 32 children, were recently arraigned in court for allegedly participating in the nationwide protests in August. The protesters, who have been in detention for three months, were reportedly arrested in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja); as well as Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states.

“Four children/young persons collapsed on the courtroom floor, writhing in pain before being removed to get medical help.

“The protester were arraigned on 10 counts bordering on ‘treason, intent to destabilise Nigeria and inciting to mutiny’. However, the protest was against economic hardship and poor governance, as protesters called for reduced governance costs, the reinstatement of petrol subsidy, and food security.”

But in his X handle on Monday, presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga said: “President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to do everything possible to ensure the immediate release of minors detained by the Nigeria Police in connection with the recent protests without prejudice to whatever legal processes are ongoing.

“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has also been directed to ensure the safe return of all the minors to their families while an investigation has been opened into the circumstances leading to their prolonged detention.”