NANS Appeals for the Withdrawal of Charges Against Minors in #EndBadGovernance Protests.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a formal request to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to withdraw all charges against the minors currently facing trial for their alleged involvement in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The protests, which took place nationally from August 1 to August 10, were a response to widespread discontent over economic hardships, the removal of the fuel subsidy, and various policies of President Tinubu’s administration.

On Friday, 76 individuals, including 32 minors, were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Abuja Federal High Court. The defendants are charged with multiple offenses, including treason and inciting mutiny. Justice Egwuatu imposed bail conditions of N10 million on each demonstrator, requiring two sureties, one of whom must be a level 15 public official and the other a parent of the accused.

In a statement, NANS Clerk Abdulyekinn Odunayo criticized the bail terms as “excessive and punitive,” arguing that they are disproportionate to the alleged offenses and infringe upon the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression. NANS called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained protesters, particularly the minors, emphasizing that such actions would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring national stability.

NANS further stated its intent to continue advocating for students’ and youths’ rights and will monitor the situation closely to ensure justice is served. The association expresses solidarity with the families of those affected, reiterating the importance of addressing the underlying grievances that led to these protests.