Following a reprieve from President Bola Tinubu, minors aged 14 to 17, detained during the August #EndBadGovernance protests, have recounted their traumatic custody experiences.
After being arraigned by the Inspector-General of Police on serious charges, including treason, four visibly malnourished minors collapsed during their court hearing, sparking national outcry.
In response, Minister of Information Mohammed Idris announced President Tinubu’s directive to release all detained minors and investigate law enforcement’s role in their detention. Charges were subsequently dropped by the Abuja High Court.
On Tuesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima handed over the minors to officials from Kano and Kaduna, emphasizing that the president’s humanitarian release was a chance for personal reform.
Minors returned to their states with harrowing accounts of food deprivation and harsh conditions in detention. Some, like 15-year-old Umar Ali from Kano, described going days without food, while Ibrahim Aliyu Musa spoke of being housed with hardened criminals and given inadequate meals.
The Kaduna government gave the 39 minors from their state financial aid and phones, pledging additional support for those who would reform. The government collected detailed information to monitor the minors’ progress, and religious leaders advised them to follow their faith and avoid negative influences.
One of the released minors, Hassan Mohammed, a graduate from Kampala University, shared his grueling experience in Kuje Prison, including poor food quality and cramped conditions.
