By Samson Adeyanju
Amid public outcry and mounting global criticism, Vice President Kashim Shettima will preside over an elaborate handover ceremony in Abuja today, formally releasing detained minors allegedly involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The children, many malnourished and facing treason charges, will be returned to their respective state governors, marking a pivotal end to their months-long ordeal under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The minors, initially refused by Kuje Prison due to their poor health, have been held in an adult detention facility under the Nigeria Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team.
Reports of deteriorating conditions and severe malnutrition have fueled outrage, particularly after four of the minors reportedly collapsed in court last Friday, necessitating emergency hospitalization.
President Tinubu, under increasing pressure, ordered their immediate release, alongside directives for a comprehensive welfare assessment by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
On his part, the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris confirmed that an investigation into possible law enforcement misconduct in the minors’ arrests is also underway.
This ceremonial release in Abuja underscores a critical turning point, as Nigeria’s leadership responds to calls for justice and humane treatment of vulnerable detainees.
