Amid escalating public discontent, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu issued a directive on Monday, November 4, 2024, mandating the immediate release of all minors currently facing trial for participating in protests related to the nation’s cost-of-living crisis. The announcement, delivered by the Minister of Information, marks a critical response to weeks of public outrage over the detention of young protesters.
In total, 76 individuals were charged, facing serious allegations, including treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny. Some of the accused minors, aged between 14 and 17, appeared in court on Friday, with four reportedly collapsing from exhaustion before they could even enter pleas. This incident highlighted the physical and emotional toll the detentions have taken on the young protesters, further fueling public criticism and calls for leniency.
While the directive calls for the immediate release of minors, it does not interrupt ongoing legal proceedings against adult protesters involved in similar demonstrations. According to the directive, an administrative committee will be established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention conditions, and treatment of the minors. Additionally, law enforcement personnel involved in the arrests will be subject to a comprehensive inquiry.
The backdrop of these protests lies in a severe cost-of-living crisis, which has driven inflation to a 28-year peak, straining households across Nigeria. Frustration has mounted as citizens grapple with rising prices for essential goods, intensifying the public’s call for government action to address the economic hardship.
This presidential intervention highlights the government’s acknowledgment of the sensitivity of the situation, especially concerning the handling of minors involved in political dissent. The formation of the committee and investigation into law enforcement practices signal a potential shift in the government’s approach to handling civil protests and youth involvement in social activism.