In response to public outcry over the arrest and detention of minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all detained children.
The directive, announced on Monday by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, follows the arraignment of 72 minors on charges of treason related to the protests, which took place across various states in August.

The protests, held in states including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, saw widespread demonstrations against high living costs and food scarcity.
The arrest of minors sparked widespread condemnation, as many appeared visibly malnourished and even collapsed during their appearance at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Judge Obiora Egwuatu subsequently granted bail to the minors, setting it at N10 million for each of the defendants.

President Tinubu has also mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to oversee the welfare and reintegration of the minors with their families.
The President’s orders include the establishment of a committee, led by the humanitarian affairs ministry, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention conditions, and eventual release of the minors.

The public backlash intensified last Friday after reports of the prolonged detention of the minors emerged, prompting the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to intervene. F
agbemi immediately instructed the police to transfer the case file to his office and assigned the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation for further review.

This decisive action by President Tinubu has been widely seen as a move to address concerns around justice, due process, and the protection of children’s rights in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing socio-economic challenges.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, has called on Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the detention and prosecution of underage protesters involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.
The minors, allegedly in poor health, were arraigned on Friday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Justice Egwuatu granted bail to 72 defendants, including the minors, setting bail at N10 million per defendant, with two sureties required. The conditions stipulate that one surety must be a civil servant of grade level 15 or higher with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction, and the other must be a parent of the defendant.

Senator Musa, representing Niger East Senatorial District, condemned the treatment of the minors, describing it as “inhumane and unjust.” He also called for the National Judicial Council (NJC) to review the judge’s decision, questioning the appropriateness of detaining minors under such circumstances.

In a statement, Senator Musa said, “I strongly condemn the unjust detention of minors following the #EndBadGovernance protests. It is deeply troubling that, despite the hardships these children have endured, they are being punished rather than shown compassion and understanding.”

He further criticized the judiciary’s approach to the minors, emphasizing that “such actions contradict the principles of justice and fairness.” Musa urged an immediate investigation into the handling of the minors to ensure accountability and protect their rights.

During the court proceedings, the frail and malnourished children were visibly struggling, with some collapsing from exhaustion. Four minors had to be removed from the courtroom due to their critical health conditions.

Senator Musa affirmed his commitment to justice, stating, “This issue must be addressed urgently, and I will continue to stand with my constituents and all Nigerians in the pursuit of justice and good governance.”

In a strong plea for judicial integrity, the Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency in Governance has called for immediate intervention to prevent the Benue State Judicial Service Commission (BSJSC) from embarking on a proposed strike action.
The coalition claimed that the strike is being manipulated by political figures pursuing personal interests, potentially undermining the delivery of justice in the state.
Executive Director of the coalition, Hajia Jaiyeola Mohammed, submitted a petition to the Chief Justice of Benue State and the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC) where she raised alarms about the growing backlog of civil and criminal cases in the courts, stressing that a strike would only exacerbate existing delays. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” she asserted, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The coalition’s concerns stem from a meeting held on October 21, 2024, where it was revealed that certain politicians are exerting undue pressure on the BSJSC. This interference, they argue, threatens the judiciary’s independence, which is essential for upholding justice for all citizens.
“Holding the entire state to ransom for the interests of a few is unacceptable,” Hajia Mohammed stated. She urged the judiciary to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, warning that a strike could lead to significant injustice for those awaiting legal resolutions.
The coalition’s petition underscored the crucial role of the judiciary in maintaining order and fairness, especially during politically charged times. With the potential strike looming, concerns are mounting over access to justice in the region, affecting not just the legal system but also public confidence in governance.
As citizens and legal practitioners await a response, the coalition remains vigilant, advocating for a judiciary free from external influences and dedicated to its primary mission of serving the public interest. The implications of this situation are profound, emphasizing the need for an independent judiciary as the backbone of democracy in Nigeria.