Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed charges against 119 protesters associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement advocating for accountability in Nigeria. </h2>

The court’s decision, announced on Tuesday, November 5, followed a request from the Attorney General of the Federation’s counsel, M. D Abubakar, to <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/tinubu-orders-release-of-minors-detained-in-endbadgovernance-protests/s0vgr18">discontinue the case,</a> which included serious allegations such as treason felony and inciting mutiny.

The defendants had been arraigned in two batches on November 1, comprising 76 individuals, including 32 minors, and an additional 43 protesters.

The legal proceedings had generated <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/kwankwaso-sani-condemn-fg-over-arraignment-of-minors-in-protest-crackdown/hlg5b56">considerable public interest,</a> highlighting concerns over the treatment of protesters in the country.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/human-rights-radio-goes-off-air-over-fgs-detention-of-minors/fhymb5w">Human Rights Radio shuts down in protest against FG's arrest of minors</a>

Justice Obiora Egwuatu presided over the case and agreed with the Attorney General's request, leading to the complete dismissal of all charges.

The ruling has been welcomed with relief by the protesters and their supporters, who view it as a vital affirmation of their right to peaceful assembly.

A representative of the protesters stated, “This ruling is a testament to the resilience of those fighting for accountability and justice in our governance.”

The outcome is seen as a hopeful sign for the future of activism in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to express their concerns without fear of persecution.

The Federal High Court in Abuja dropped all charges against the detained minors and other protesters. [X, formerly Twitter]

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed charges against 119 protesters associated with the #EndBadGovernance movement advocating for accountability in Nigeria.

Court drop charges against 119 #EndBadGovernance protesters

<h2>The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of mistreatment of minors detained during recent #EndBadGovernance protests. </h2>

This decision follows public outcry over the conditions in which these young detainees were reportedly held. Concerns escalated after 76 minors were presented in court last Friday, with some showing signs of malnutrition. <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/video-5-teenagers-arraigned-for-bad-governance-protest-collapse-in-court/mcx3hh5">Five minors reportedly collapsed in court,</a> requiring urgent medical attention.

“The police are committed to ensuring the well-being of all individuals in custody,” Egbetokun assured the public in response to the uproar.

Currently attending the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow, the IGP speculated that the fainting incident may have been staged to sway public opinion against law enforcement. Nonetheless, he confirmed that medical care was promptly administered.

Public interest in the issue prompted President Bola Tinubu to step in,<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/tinubu-orders-agf-to-review-cases-of-detained-endbadgovernance-minors-minister/6frbwlr"> instructing that all charges against the minors be dropped. </a>

This directive underscores the growing concern over police handling of young detainees and the need for improved custodial standards.

Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, disclosed that the IGP had issued directives to assess procedural practices in the minors’ detention.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/kwankwaso-sani-condemn-fg-over-arraignment-of-minors-in-protest-crackdown/hlg5b56">Kwankwaso, Shehu Sani knocks Tinubu's govt over arraignment of minors</a>

“The Inspector-General is committed to addressing any procedural lapses or concerns,” Adejobi said, echoing Egbetokun’s focus on accountability and the welfare of vulnerable individuals in custody.

To improve handling of cases involving minors, the IGP announced a workshop for Deputy Commissioners of Criminal Investigation and investigation unit leaders.

Scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, the event aims to establish “child-friendly investigation and care” standards across law enforcement.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and maintaining accountability, particularly for vulnerable groups,” Adejobi concluded.

Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria Police Force | Facebook

An appeal has been made to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and call the Nigerian Police Force to order.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has called for an immediate investigation into allegations of mistreatment of minors detained during recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

IG Egbetokun orders probe into alleged mistreatment of minors in police custody

<h2>Ahmed Isah, also known as the “Ordinary President,” has ordered the shutdown of the popular Brekete Family program on Monday, November 4, citing outrage over the detention of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest. </h2>

The suspension of Human Rights Radio, where Isah’s program airs, follows <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/video-5-teenagers-arraigned-for-bad-governance-protest-collapse-in-court/mcx3hh5">the recent arraignment of 76 hunger protesters,</a> including minors, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The incident has sparked national and international condemnation. Last Friday, as the protesters faced charges, some collapsed while awaiting arraignment. The accused individuals, detained across multiple states, including Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, face severe allegations, including treason.

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/scripted-to-tarnish-police-image-igp-on-minors-collapse-in-court/n6hzxxj">IGP labels minors’ collapse in Court as scripted drama to tarnish Police image</a>

Bail was set at a staggering ₦10 million each, and the prosecutor requested the removal of collapsed individuals from the charges.

Ahmed Isah, whose Brekete Family program advocates for social justice and human rights, expressed profound dismay at the treatment of the detained minors.

Speaking live on air via phone at 8:20 a.m., Isah directed the immediate suspension of the program in protest.

“Terminate the program,” he announced. “This is part of our protest. Tell every complainant to go home. The government should do the right thing.”

READ ALSO: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/ex-apc-spokesman-to-tinubu-detained-minors-deserve-schools-not-cells/xmk86v5">'Detained minors deserve schools, not cells' - Ex-APC spokesman to Tinubu</a>

Isah further urged Nigerians to voice their dissent, stating, “Tomorrow, we are not going to do the program. We will open the phone lines, and Nigerians will call in from all over the world until these children are released unconditionally.”

The abrupt shutdown underscores rising public frustration with the government’s handling of the protesters, and Isah’s call has sparked widespread support across social media and beyond.

L-R: Images of minors in court and Ordinary Ahmad Isah. [Facebook/X, formerly Twitter]

Ahmed Isah, also known as the “Ordinary President,” has ordered the shutdown of the popular Brekete Family program on Monday, November 4, citing outrage over the detention of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest.

Human Rights Radio shuts down in protest against FG's arrest of minors

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