By

Chinenye Chukwuma

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of 52 minors arrested in connection to the #EndBadGovernance protests and being prosecuted for treason and felony. 

 These minors were arrested in various locations including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, and were accused of treason among other charges. 

Their detention had sparked both domestic and international concern, especially after one of the children slumped in court during their arraignment. 

The court had earlier granted N10 million bail to the 72 minors. 

Tinubu's directive also includes ensuring the welfare of the minors and facilitating their reunion with their parents or guardians. A committee to be set up, led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest, detention, and treatment of the minors. 
This move comes after widespread criticism and calls for their release from various quarters of the nation.

Femi Falana, a renowned human rights lawyer, had urged the federal high court  to dismiss charges against 76 protesters, including minors, involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement.  Falana argues that the court lacks jurisdiction over the case, particularly concerning the minors 

During the proceedings, several minors among the defendants collapsed, leading to a chaotic scene in the courtroom. Falana had emphasizes that national and international laws protect the rights of these minors, and they should not be subjected to criminal trials.

Falana's had also  a request for the federal government to pay the school fees of the minors through senior secondary or university education, in line with legal provisions.