Nigerian authorities have dismissed treason and other charges against numerous protesters, including over 30 minors, who were detained in August following anti-government protests.
President Bola Tinubu had previously urged the release of all minors—some as young as 14—after a viral video showing four children collapsing in court due to apparent malnutrition caused public outrage. Tinubu also called for an investigation into the officials involved in the arrests and legal proceedings.
The footage of the young detainees in distress has reignited concerns about their treatment and the extended length of their detention. Initial reports cited 27 young detainees, but more details have since emerged, revealing additional minors aged 14 to 17 in custody.
The detainees were held for nearly three months after participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which erupted across Nigeria in response to the worsening cost-of-living crisis. Some protests turned violent, leading to clashes with security forces. Police reported seven deaths, though rights groups estimated 23 fatalities, and nearly 700 arrests.
At Friday’s court hearing in Abuja, some individuals faced accusations of displaying Russian flags and plotting to overthrow the government.
On Monday, a spokesperson for President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga, stated that the Nigerian Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has been instructed to ensure the safe return of minors to their families, while an investigation is underway regarding their prolonged detention.
Following the video’s release, Nigerian rights organization Enough is Enough condemned the treatment as “institutional child abuse,” while Amnesty International criticized the detentions as one of the harshest attempts to suppress peaceful assembly.
Observers note that the decision to drop charges and release the children likely served to save face for the government, which has faced criticism for its harsh crackdown on protests for better governance.
