Falana seeks compensation for Minors detained.

Falana Seeks Compensation for Minors Detained Over #EndBadGovernance Protest as Tinubu Orders Their Release

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana is pushing for compensation for minors detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their immediate release. The detained minors are among 76 individuals charged with treasonable felony at the Federal High Court in Abuja following protests held from August 1 to 10. Although granted bail with a bond of N10 million each, the minors remain detained pending the fulfillment of bail conditions.

Public outcry has grown over the treatment of the minors, particularly regarding their detention conditions and the manner they were presented in court. Addressing the issue, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris confirmed Tinubu’s directive for their release, stating that it does not interfere with ongoing legal proceedings.

To examine the circumstances behind the arrests and detention, Tinubu has also called for an investigation. A committee, led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, has been established to look into the matter. Idris emphasized that any government official found guilty of misconduct will face legal consequences.

“The president has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the welfare of these minors and support their smooth reunion with their families,” said Idris. Additionally, Tinubu has ordered an administrative committee to investigate all aspects of the minors’ arrests, treatment, and eventual release. He further directed that law enforcement personnel involved in the case be investigated, with disciplinary actions to be taken if any infractions are identified.

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and National Orientation, confirmed that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) has received the case file. The AGF’s office has obtained a hearing notice to move forward with the process of taking over the case from the Inspector General of Police. Following the president’s directive, the AGF is expected to request the discontinuation of charges against the minors.

Falana, counsel to the detained minors, expressed hope that the case will be withdrawn, allowing them to proceed with a compensation request. He noted that once charges are dropped, the defense team will consult with the defendants on the next steps, which may include compensation for education costs up to the senior secondary or university level.

In his legal objections, Falana argued that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction over the case, as minors should be tried under the child justice system, per Section 204 of the Child’s Rights Act and Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution. He also pointed to provisions in the 1999 Constitution and the Child’s Rights Act that support his application.

Meanwhile, reactions continue to pour in from across the country. Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State condemned the treatment of the minors in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, describing it as inhumane and expressing concern over the hardships they endured in detention. Professor Joy Ezeilo, former Dean of Law at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and an ex-UN Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, also criticized the handling of the case on social media, asserting that children’s rights should be safeguarded and that minors in conflict with the law should be guided away from formal judicial processes.

As the government takes steps to address the situation, the minors remain in a remand facility in Abuja, where they are awaiting further developments.