Nigeria’s president has ordered the immediate release of a group of young people accused of treason after videos showing some of them collapsing in court caused a public outcry.
The 27 teenagers, part of a group of 76 suspects detained for months following anti-government protests, are between the ages of 14 and 18.
President Bola Tinubu directed officials to free the teens after four collapsed during their first court appearance on Friday, reportedly due to malnourishment. Footage of the young detainees in visible distress, some writhing in pain before receiving medical attention, went viral, reigniting debate over their treatment and prolonged detention.
The suspects had been held for almost three months following their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which surged across Nigeria in August, driven by the country’s deepening cost-of-living crisis. Some protests turned violent as demonstrators clashed with security forces. Police reported seven deaths, though human rights groups believe the toll was higher, estimating at least 23 fatalities and nearly 700 arrests.
On Friday, some of those appearing in court in Abuja faced accusations of displaying Russian flags and planning to overthrow the government. In response to the public reaction, the president’s spokesperson released a statement on Monday affirming that while the children were to be released, this action would not interfere with ongoing legal proceedings. The humanitarian affairs ministry has been instructed to ensure the safe return of all minors to their families while an investigation has been launched into the circumstances of their extended detention.
Following the courtroom footage, Nigerian rights groups described the situation as “institutional child abuse,” while Amnesty International called it “one of the deadliest attempts to suppress freedom of assembly.”
