We were starved, locked up with criminals – Minors

Last Friday, 76 individuals, including 32 minors detained at the protest, were arraigned by the Inspector-General of Police on charges related to treason, incitement to destabilize the nation, and other offenses. Four minors, visibly malnourished, collapsed during the proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, sparking national outrage.

Civil society groups condemned the government’s treatment of the minors, primarily from Kano and Kaduna states.

Following the public outcry, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris announced in an emergency briefing at the State House, Abuja, that President Tinubu had ordered the immediate release of all detained minors. As a result, the Abuja High Court dismissed the charges against the protesters.

Idris added that the President directed an investigation into any possible misconduct by law enforcement agents involved in the arrests and legal proceedings.

On Tuesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima handed over the minors to the governors of Kano and Kaduna, describing the President’s decision as an act of humanitarian concern and an opportunity for reform.

Upon their return to Kano and Kaduna, the minors, who described their custody experiences as “hellish,” shared accounts of inadequate food and conditions.

Those from Kano were admitted to the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital for medical care before reuniting with their families. Some recounted being denied food for days; one, Umar Ali, 15, stated he was detained en route to his job, unrelated to the protest.

Another minor, Ibrahim Aliyu Musa, claimed he was confined with hardened criminals and endured inadequate meals. A 13-year-old from Gwale Local Government Area reported being accused of flying a Russian flag and was held in Abattoir SARS detention in Abuja alongside serious offenders.

The 39 released minors from Kaduna State received N100,000 and Itel Android phones from the Kaduna government during a brief ceremony.

Governor Uba Sani assured further support for the minors, including start-up capital, skill training, and potential employment opportunities, contingent on good behavior. State officials gathered detailed records of the released minors for monitoring purposes.

An Economics graduate from Kampala University, Hassan Mohammed, recounted his 90-day incarceration, describing harsh conditions and meager food provisions.

Police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, however, denied mistreatment, asserting that the minors were not held with criminals and attributing the claims to misinformation.

Despite the President’s order, three minors remain in detention at Borno State’s juvenile facility. The Civil Liberty Organisation in Borno stated it would visit the facility to verify their release status.

Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, commended President Tinubu’s compassionate response, recognizing the positive impact on affected families and the President’s commitment to children’s welfare.