JUST IN: Released #EndBadGovernance protesters arrive at presidential villa
By Kunle Sanni
The 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, both minors and adults, who were recently discharged by the Federal High Court in Abuja, have arrived at the presidential villa.
The Nigeria Police Force had earlier arraigned them, but the charges were dropped at the request of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, leading to their release by Justice Obiora Egwatu.
Vice President Kashim Shettima will receive the protesters on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and formally hand them over to their respective state governors.
In attendance are the governors of Kaduna and Kano, Uba Sani and Abba Yusuf, respectively, as well as several ministers, including the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal; and Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Tanko Sununu. Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement (Northwest), Abdullahi Yakasai, is also present, along with Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau and Chairman of the Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi.
On Monday, WESTERN POST reported that the Attorney General of the Federation had been directed to ensure the immediate release of minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano and Kaduna on August 3, 2024. This announcement was made by Minister of Information Idris Muhammad during a briefing at the State House.
Background
On Friday, several protesters, including many minors, were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja. During the proceedings, four children reportedly collapsed and were removed from the courtroom. The court subsequently granted N10 million bail to 72 defendants and removed the names of the four affected children from the charge list. All remaining defendants pleaded not guilty.
The detentions have sparked national debate, with human rights advocates calling for the protection of the children’s welfare and their rights throughout the legal process.
On Saturday, Minister of Women’s Affairs Sulaiman-Ibrahim visited the detained minors and assured the public of her commitment to ensuring their well-being and a fair judicial process.
