Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday presided over the release of the underaged #EndBadGovernance protesters and others to the governors of their states. He said the president decided to give them another chance at” becoming responsible citizens who will make a positive impact, in a drive for a better Nigeria.”

Their release was witnessed by the Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, Chairperson House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, and Engr. Sagir Ibrahim Koko, member House of Representatives.

The vice president’s comments suggest that the government believes that the protesters, including the minors, were not wrongly treated and that the president only released them out of pity.

On Monday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate release of all minors charged with treason-related offences at a media briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, shortly after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
They were arrested during the August 1-10 nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the information minister said the President ordered the immediate release of all the minors who were arrested by the Nigeria Police without prejudice to whatever legal processes they are undergoing.

He also said that the President equally directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately deal with the welfare of the minors and ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.

His words: “The President has directed that an administrative committee be set up immediately, to be headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.

“The President has also directed that all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if any infractions are found to have been committed by any official of Government, whether from a law enforcement agency or another appropriate authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her,” he said.

The announced freedom for the malnourished minors came on the heels of a public outcry by Nigerians and the international community that deplored the rationale behind the arrest, detention, and prosecution of the minors before a Federal High Court in Abuja last week Friday.

Arewa Consultative Forum Reacts

Some of the prominent groups that called for the immediate release of the minors included the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), which demanded the immediate release of the children and payment of adequate and appropriate compensation to them.

In a statement, the Northern leaders described the arrest, detention, and prosecution of the minors as a show of shame. The ACF noted that the #EndBadGovernance protesters were but, victims of the country’s flawed criminal justice system.

Similarly, some human rights organisations and activists, tasked the federal government to address the underlying factors like hunger, inflation, and economic hardship that predispose citizens to protest the policies of the Tinubu-led administration.

This was as it was gathered that a combined team of agencies of the federal Government working with the office of the Attorney General of the Federation Minister of Justice, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure full compliance with the directive of President Tinubu.

Northern Senators Commend President Tinubu

Northern senators have commended President Bola Tinubu for his prompt action in ordering the release of minors arrested and detained for participating in the nationwide protests against hunger and high cost of living, tagged #EndBadGovernance protests which eventually became violent in some states, leading to looting and destruction of property in some states in August this year.

The lawmakers, under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum, NSF, chaired by Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC Katsina Central), also thanked leaders from the region for their efforts in securing the minors’ release, stressing however, that they must prioritize the safety and education of Northern children.

President Tinubu had on Monday directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN to terminate the charges against the accused persons, most of who are said to be minors and prohibited by law from facing such trial, while the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda should see to their welfare.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday eventually terminated the treason charges brought against the protesters by the Inspector General of Police upon its withdrawal by the Attorney General of the Federation on behalf of the federal government.

In a statement issued by the NSF late on Monday and signed by its chairman, the Forum noted that the President’s decision demonstrates that he’s commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of Nigerian youth.

“By his directive to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to expedite the release process, this is a welcome development, and we appreciate the president’s leadership in addressing this critical issue.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of leaders in the North who have worked tirelessly to secure the release of these minors. Their dedication and advocacy have been instrumental in bringing this matter to the forefront, and we are grateful for their commitment to the welfare of our young people.

“As we move forward, I urge leaders in the North to prioritize the safety and education of our children. We must create an environment where they can grow and thrive, free from harm and exploitation. Let us work together to ensure that our youth receive the support and resources they need to become active contributors to Nigeria’s growth and development,” Senator Yar’Adua stated.

It would be recalled that outrage by many Nigerians, especially civil society organizations and human rights activists, trailed the arraignment of 76 suspects, including 32 minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests from August 1 to 10, calling on the federal government to drop charges against the defendants.

The defendants, who have been in detention for three months, were arrested in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT; Kaduna, Gombe, Plateau Katsina, and Kano States.

They were charged by the Inspector General of Police with ten counts of treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria, and inciting to mutiny by calling on the military to take over the government from President Tinubu, among others.