President Bola Tinubu has directed the release of all minors arrested and detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests. This announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing at the State House on Monday. He was joined by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.

Idris revealed that Tinubu has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to initiate the process for the release of these minors. “The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families. A committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and release. Any law enforcement agents found to have acted improperly will be held accountable,” Idris stated.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) had previously urged the Federal Government to halt the treason trials of #EndBadGovernance protesters, particularly those involving minors. In a statement signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum condemned the trials as “a show of shame” and criticized the government’s heavy-handed approach.

Reports indicate that the minors were detained for over 90 days after participating in the August 2024 protests. In Kaduna, Sheikh Ahmed Umar, Youth Leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic Movement in Africa, also called for their immediate release, emphasizing that children as young as 10 should not be charged with treason. He urged President Tinubu to issue an executive order for their release and compensation, stating, “It is unjust to detain a 10-year-old child for such an offense.”

Umar further highlighted the importance of increasing youth participation in governance, asserting that the involvement of younger generations could aid Nigeria in addressing its various challenges, including security and unemployment.