• ‘How shame forced Tinubu’s govt to back down on minors charged with treason’
• Shettima states reason for release, says over N300b lost in protest aftermath
• Court dismisses treason charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters
• CISLAC lauds Tinubu, seeks reforms

The President Bola Tinubu administration, seemingly embarrassed by the prospect of parading malnourished minors before the global community for protesting hunger, appears to have hastened their release.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, yesterday, in Abuja, dismissed the treason charges filed against #EndBadGovernance protesters by the Inspector General of Police.

Egwuatu’s decision followed the Federal Government’s withdrawal of charges against defendants in cases FHC/ABJ/CR/503/2024 and FHC/ABJ/CR/527/2024. Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), M.D. Abubakar, who represented the prosecution, explained that, under Sections 174 and 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Attorney-General of the Federation is empowered to assume control of any case and may also discontinue proceedings.

The prosecution initially requested that the court overlook the defendants’ absence and proceed with the trial. However, the defendants’ counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana, raised no objections, noting that the withdrawal aligned with the Child Rights Act.

Justice Egwuatu subsequently struck out both cases. The development followed an incident on November 1, when several defendants—teenagers and adults—collapsed shortly after proceedings began for their arraignment. Justice Egwuatu temporarily suspended the session thereafter.

The defendants’ legal representatives attributed the collapse to hunger and poor health. Reacting later, human rights lawyer Femi Falana disclosed that the Federal Government was too embarrassed to bring the minors into the courtroom.

While speaking in Abuja at the public presentation of a book titled ‘Judicial Terrorism – A Macabre Trial and Death Sentences on Some Atvap (Kataf) People,’ authored by Richard Akinnola in honour of retired Maj.-Gen. Zamani Lekwot, Falana revealed the details of the recent court proceedings.

“Just this morning before this programme commenced, I was in court in Abuja, where 119 Nigerians, including 29 minors, were brought to court. The government was so ashamed that it couldn’t take them to the courtroom, unlike last week,” Falana said.

He further revealed that the government withdrew the charges against the youths, leading to their release. “The government came to court this morning to withdraw the frivolous charges. So, the young people have been freed,” he added.

Falana, however, insisted that releasing the minors was insufficient. “As I told the court, it’s not enough to terminate this trial. These young people, who should have been in school during the protests, must be rehabilitated by the government. We will ensure they are rehabilitated and sent to school,” he stated.

He warned that should the government fail to fulfil its responsibility, he would pursue legal action, citing Section 15 of the child rights law, which mandates free and compulsory education for every child in Nigeria from primary to secondary school.
However, Vice President Kashim Shettima clarified yesterday that President Tinubu directed the release of the minors after humanitarian considerations.

He also revealed that the nation lost over N300 billion due to the destruction and halting of economic activities orchestrated by the protesters. Speaking at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima received the minors shortly after the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi dropped the charges.

According to Shettima, there were “incontrovertible digital video and photographic evidence” of the actions of some protesters shared online by the participants.

“The President, as the father of the nation, is giving these young men another chance to become responsible citizens who will positively contribute to Nigeria’s development,” Shettima said, urging the youths to distance themselves from violence.

He highlighted the economic impact of the protests, which affected both public and private properties, and implored them to seize this opportunity to contribute constructively to society.

The youths were later handed over to their respective state governors.In attendance at the State House Auditorium were Kaduna Governor Uba Sani, Kano Governor Abba Yusuf, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction Tanko Sununu, and Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Northwest) Abdullahi Yakasai. Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau and Committee Chairman on Appropriation Abubakar Bichi were also present.

Governor Abba Yusuf received 71 teenagers arrested during the protests in Kano. In a statement, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, expressed gratitude to human rights advocates, including Falana and others, who were pivotal in securing the teenagers’ release.

Yusuf had previously pledged to pursue every legal avenue to ensure their freedom, underscoring his commitment to human rights. Also, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) commended President Tinubu for directing AGF Fagbemi to facilitate the immediate release of the minors.

CISLAC, represented by Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director and Head of Transparency International Nigeria, applauded the President’s directive and commitment to investigating the circumstances surrounding these arrests.

The civil society organisation urged the President to expand the release order to include other detained protesters, fostering national unity and demonstrating a government that values justice and citizen welfare.

In its statement, CISLAC highlighted the need for broader judicial reforms, calling for the eradication of corruption within the judiciary to bolster democracy and attract foreign investment.

“To restore hope and stability, Nigeria must ensure only judges of integrity serve on the bench,” Rafsanjani said, underscoring the damaging role of corruption in undermining justice and public trust.

CISLAC also emphasised the importance of police reform, particularly in recruitment and training. The organisation called for a merit-based recruitment process and measures to curb police misconduct, noting that transparent hiring and adequate welfare support would help build a responsible police force aligned with citizens’ needs.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has committed to providing scholarships for 52 minors. Abdulmumini Kundak, chairman of NAPPS’ Board of Trustees, announced the initiative during a press briefing in Lagos yesterday.

Kundak expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the compassionate release of the minors, describing it as an opportunity for renewed hope in their futures. He stated that NAPPS would sponsor their education through secondary school, affirming the association’s dedication to supporting young Nigerians impacted by the protests.

“On behalf of NAPPS, we are extending scholarships up to secondary school level to these young Nigerians as part of our commitment to their future,” Kundak said. “These children deserve a second chance, and we are committed to providing them with the education and support they need to build a better future.”

Kundak also praised the President’s recent introduction of an entrepreneurship curriculum for primary schools, noting its significance for Nigeria’s youth. He emphasised that early skill acquisition is essential for national development, adding that NAPPS stands behind such reforms to empower children with practical skills for self-reliance.