On Monday, November 4, 2024, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate release of all minors currently facing trial for participating in recent cost-of-living protests. The decision, announced by the Minister of Information, comes after weeks of public outrage over the treatment of young protesters.
In total, 76 protesters had been charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny. Several of those charged, including minors aged 14 to 17, appeared in court on Friday. Four of the young defendants collapsed from exhaustion before they could enter pleas.
Although President Tinubu’s directive allows for the release of minors, it does not affect the ongoing legal proceedings against the broader group of protesters. In accordance with the president’s instructions, an administrative committee will be established to review the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrests, detention, and treatment. Additionally, the government will launch investigations into the conduct of law enforcement personnel involved in these cases.
Nigeria has seen several mass protests in recent months as citizens express frustration over the escalating cost of living and record inflation, which has reached a 28-year high.
