BREAKING: Tinubu Considers Releasing 76 Minors Arraigned For #EndBadGovernance Protests

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly considering the release of 76 minors who were arraigned following their participation in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The protests, which took place across the country, saw citizens taking to the streets to voice their frustrations over governance issues.

Tensions heightened on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja when some of the minors awaiting arraignment collapsed in the courtroom, drawing immediate attention to the conditions of their detainment.

The court set bail at N10 million for each of the protesters, a decision that has sparked additional criticism given the defendants’ ages and limited resources.

Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has intervened, directing the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file of all protesters involved to his office.

Fagbemi stated that this transfer would enable him to review the situation thoroughly, as he considers the most appropriate course of action.

The AGF has also tasked the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) with seeking an earlier court date for reconsideration of the bail conditions and case status.

The incident has triggered backlash from human rights organizations, with Amnesty International condemning the treatment of minors involved in the protests.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Senator Shehu Sani have also voiced concerns, describing the detainment of the young protesters as unjust.

Judge Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the arraignment, stipulated that each defendant must present two sureties to secure bail, including a civil servant of grade level 15 or higher and a parent of the defendant.

However, these stringent requirements have left many families unable to fulfill the conditions for their children’s release.

With pressure mounting, President Tinubu’s administration faces calls to address the public outcry by reconsidering the charges and detainment of the minors.

As discussions around the release of these young protesters intensify, many hope that their cases will prompt broader reforms in how Nigeria addresses youth-led activism.