Tinubu Orders Release of Minors in Hunger Protest Controversy

 

President Bola Amend Tinubu 

When Nigerian youths took to the streets in recent hunger protests, their demands were loud and clear: a call for better governance, transparency, and fundamental rights. Yet, in a turn that left many stunned, dozens of minors found themselves at the heart of this civil unrest, detained and hauled into courtrooms across the country, facing charges that included treason. 

Images of these young detainees some gaunt and visibly weakened captured the nation’s attention, amplifying an already heated conversation around civil rights, youth involvement in governance, and the cost of voicing dissent in Nigeria today.


President Bola Tinubu acted promptly in response, to the crisis by ordering the release of all detained minors on Monday a move that highlighted the seriousness of the issue at hand. His decision to intervene followed increasing outcry as people struggled to come to terms with the fact that minors were being held in custody solely for taking part in peaceful demonstrations.


According to Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the President’s directive aims to reunite these young detainees with their families as quickly as possible. But Tinubu didn’t stop there; he also called on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure that the minors receive the care they need following their release. 

Additionally, a committee is being established to look into the entire situation, from the arrests and treatment of these children to their eventual release. The team, under the supervision of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs aims to respond to the inquiries raised by Nigerians regarding why children were held in custody with adults and why they were seemingly neglected.


The growing tension leading up, to this moment is impossible to overlook. For many Nigerians, seeing minors in court, accused of crimes as severe as treason, was a sobering image of what it sometimes costs to advocate for change. 

The scene in the Abuja Federal High Court on November 1, where Judge Obiora Egwuatu set bail at an eye-watering N10 million per child, highlighted the extent of the judicial response. Critics argue that such measures against children are overly harsh and only serve to stoke public outrage further.

The Presidents choice has sparked a range of responses, from the public. Some view it as a recognition of the issues fueling these demonstrations while others are doubtful if the action taken is sufficient. Yes, the minors are to be released, but the events that led up to this moment remain troubling. 

For months, these children were reportedly detained in conditions that left them malnourished and mentally strained. Videos circulated on social media showed visibly ill children, some collapsing in the courtroom—a grim testament to the inadequate care they received while in custody. The sight was enough to spur activists and parents alike to demand answers, challenging the government’s handling of youth and civil unrest.


This segment delves into concerns, within Nigerian society where the youth empowered by movements such as #EndSARS and current appeals for change are adamant about not remaining silent. 

They are speaking out against a system they believe has let them down demanding governance and the opportunity to voice their opinions Tinubu's involvement marks a notable progression but leaves lingering questions, about how authorities will handle similar matters going forward Will they uphold the rights of activists. Will we see a repetition of holding them in custody and delaying justice once more?


Ultimately, the release of these minors may be seen as a victory, but it’s also a moment that challenges Nigeria to confront how it handles dissent, especially when it involves young voices. This generation is watching, and they’re more than willing to hold their leaders accountable. The struggle for justice, freedom, and a fair hearing is far from over. Where do you think Nigeria goes from here?