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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests, responding to public outrage over their treatment.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, representing the minors, announced plans to seek compensation and educational support for the detained children.
“The president has directed the immediate release of all the minors,” said Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, addressing reporters.
The directive, however, does not interfere with ongoing legal procedures. Idris explained that a committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will investigate the circumstances of the arrests. “Any government officer found culpable will face disciplinary action,” he added.
The minors are part of a group of 76 defendants charged with treasonable felony for participating in the protests, which occurred from August 1 to 10.
Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted them a bail bond of N10 million each but detained them pending fulfilment of bail terms.
The sight of young detainees in court sparked national condemnation and demands for immediate action.
Following the president’s directive, Falana stated his intent to request further compensation, emphasizing the minors’ educational needs.
“We will wait until the matter is withdrawn,” he said. “We then plan to apply for compensation to cover their education through at least senior secondary school.”
Falana’s proposed application is based on several legal statutes, including Section 18 of the 1999 Constitution and the Child’s Rights Act, which mandates child justice procedures for juvenile cases.