President Bola Tinubu recently directed the immediate release of minors detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024, which called for government action on escalating economic hardship, insecurity, and poverty.
The protests erupted across Nigeria, with citizens voicing frustration over worsening living conditions, exacerbated by recent government policies that affected fuel prices and inflation. Although these demonstrations were largely peaceful, authorities responded with mass arrests, detaining numerous protesters, including over 30 minors. These detentions, often in challenging conditions, have sparked intense public criticism.
The situation gained widespread attention following reports that some minors collapsed from exhaustion and malnutrition during court appearances. Observers noted that some detainees had fainted in the Federal High Court in Abuja, drawing outrage as photos and videos circulated on social media.
Activists, rights groups, and global organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the Nigerian government’s handling of these young detainees, asserting that their right to peaceful protest was violated. Amnesty criticized the detentions as both excessive and inhumane, pointing out that these young people were kept in custody for months without adequate food or medical care, which Amnesty labeled as a form of intimidation and repression.
In response to the mounting outcry, Tinubu’s directive emphasized that the detained minors should be released immediately. He tasked the Attorney General with expediting their release and instructed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs to review their welfare and ensure their reintegration into society.
Additionally, Tinubu has ordered an investigation into law enforcement practices during the protests to address possible abuses and misconduct. He expressed that any official found responsible for mistreating detained protesters, especially minors, would face consequences, underscoring a commitment to uphold citizens’ rights and rectify any lapses by security agencies.
Tinubu’s directive comes at a critical time as Nigeria grapples with balancing security concerns and maintaining civil liberties.
