The Traffic

Justice for the Voiceless: Tinubu Orders Immediate Release of Detained Minors After Global Outrage”

By Achimi Muktar

In a move that has sparked relief and raised further questions about the handling of juvenile justice, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of minors detained in connection with last August’s protests, widely known as the #EndBadGovernance movement. This directive, issued on Monday, follows days of national and international condemnation over the harsh treatment of 30 children who were arrested and charged alongside adult protesters for treason.

The detained minors, aged 13 to 17, were part of a larger group of 76 individuals arrested after demonstrations against economic hardship escalated across Nigeria. The protests, fueled by rising dissatisfaction with governance and worsening economic conditions, took a dramatic turn when demonstrators were accused of inciting mutiny by calling for military intervention.

President Tinubu’s decision to free the minors came after mounting pressure from civil society, human rights groups, and opposition parties, who condemned the government’s handling of the protests and subsequent detentions. The children had been held for over three months, enduring conditions that left many malnourished, sparking outrage and calls for reform.

“A Balancing Act: Justice and Humanity”

In an emergency briefing at Aso Rock Villa, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced Tinubu’s decision. “The President has directed the immediate release of all minors detained by the Nigerian police, with no prejudice to ongoing legal processes,” Idris said. He emphasized that the president was keen on balancing the country’s legal framework with humanitarian concerns, particularly when minors are involved.

The president also instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to prioritize the children’s welfare and ensure they are reunited with their families. In a further step, an Administrative Committee has been established to review the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and treatment. The committee will also investigate law enforcement agents involved in the arrests, with promises of disciplinary measures for any misconduct uncovered.

A Nationwide Crackdown

The protests that led to these arrests occurred between July and August 2024 in major cities such as Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna. Initially organized to challenge economic mismanagement, the demonstrations turned chaotic, with some protesters waving foreign flags and calling for regime change.