A Nigerian court has released 119 individuals, including several minors, following dropped charges related to anti-government protests against economic hardship in August. Authorities initially charged the protesters with treason and attempting to incite a military coup, with some counts punishable by death.
The charges were dismissed after the Attorney General intervened, bringing the case forward from its planned January hearing. Deji Adeyanju, a lawyer for the protesters, confirmed their release and called for their rehabilitation and compensation by state governments.
The release follows a directive by President Bola Tinubu, who ordered the release of minors held over their involvement in the protests. Information Minister Mohammed Idriss confirmed that Tinubu instructed police to free 40 minors detained after trials began. The August protests, dubbed “End Bad Governance,” reportedly led to clashes with security forces, resulting in 22 fatalities, according to Amnesty International.
The detention conditions of the minors have raised widespread concern. Videos circulating on social media show young detainees collapsing in court, sparking public outcry over alleged mistreatment. Politician Peter Obi, who previously contested the presidency, condemned the situation, describing the detainees as visibly malnourished and weakened by detention conditions.