Youth

By Salisu Uba Kofar Wambai

Audu Bulama Bukarti is a noisemaker who understands nothing about politics. His recent comments on the newly formed opposition coalition are not only shallow but also dangerously misleading. While millions of Nigerians are applauding this coalition as a timely and necessary step to challenge the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and rescue the country from economic suffocation, Bukarti — a London-based lawyer — chose to mock the effort on social media.

Rather than supporting a credible and coordinated opposition, he is promoting a vague, unstructured “youth political party,” claiming that only the youth can bring about change. This may sound attractive on paper, but it shows just how politically naive he is. Politics isn’t wishful thinking — it’s a game of structure, influence, visibility, and strategic alliances.

Just like filmmaking, where unknown actors rarely carry a blockbuster, political success depends on familiar, trusted, and tested figures. The leaders in the ADC-led coalition may not be perfect, but they possess the political weight, experience, and resources to help Nigeria emerge from this crisis. They are not saints, but they know what the people are going through, and their unity reflects the seriousness of the moment.

We must not forget the damage the Tinubu-led APC government has caused: the reckless removal of fuel subsidy, the crippling naira devaluation, inflation that has turned food and transportation into luxury, and a general sense of hopelessness among ordinary citizens. Nigerians are hungry and angry — and they need relief, not political experiments.

Bukarti’s idea that youth alone can take over now is not only unrealistic, but also risky. It will divide the opposition, weaken the resistance, and give the APC a smooth ride into another term of hardship. The youth are important, yes. However, they must join hands with established political structures to make an impact, rather than isolating themselves in emotional idealism.

The ADC coalition brings together people who understand Nigerian politics, who have reach, recognition, and machinery. That’s what it takes to defeat a regime that has weaponised poverty and punished the poor. Unity is the only way forward. This is not a time to gamble or experiment — it is a time to act wisely and strategically.

Bukarti’s obsession with promoting his “youth party” at this critical point raises serious questions. Is it merely ignorance, or is he playing a hidden role to distract and sabotage the coalition’s genuine efforts? Either way, Nigerians must not be fooled. The real enemy is not the coalition, but the hunger, insecurity, and hopelessness forced on us by the Tinubu government.

This is not the time for ego or empty noise. What Nigerians need are leaders with courage, experience, and structure, not social media loudspeakers who offer nothing but confusion. Bukarti should either contribute meaningfully or step aside.

The ADC coalition may not be perfect, but it is Nigeria’s best shot at ending the nightmare. This moment demands unity, not division — strategy, not noise — and above all, action, not confusion.

Salisu Uba Kofar Wambai wrote from Kano. He can be reached via salisunews@gmail.com.

By Maryam Ahmad

President Bola Tinubu has outlined significant gains in national security, youth empowerment, and innovation as his administration clocks two years in office, asserting that the groundwork is being laid for a more secure and prosperous Nigeria.

In a comprehensive national address, President Tinubu said his administration had improved collaboration among security agencies and made substantial gains in previously volatile regions. “In some areas of the northwest, hitherto under the control of bandits, our gallant armed forces have restored order,” he said.

The President emphasised the role of young Nigerians in national development, citing innovative programmes at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), such as electric vehicle assembly, drone engineering training for women, and local manufacturing of rapid diagnostic kits.

“These initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening up a future of possibilities for our youth,” Tinubu stated.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the federal government has also embarked on large-scale infrastructure projects, including major highway reconstructions, rural electrification through solar initiatives, and enhanced support for farmers to boost food security.

In a nod to cultural diplomacy, the President announced plans for the Motherland Festival—a global event that will showcase Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creativity, and tourism potential.

Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora and introduced new policies, including a diaspora bond and non-resident BVN, to encourage greater engagement.

“Our direction is clear, and so is our resolve,” the President said in closing. “The real impact of our governance objectives is beginning to take hold. The future is bright.”

by Salim Yunusa

In Zaria, the name Danraka means different things to different people. To students of Ahmadu Bello University, it reminds them of a well-known student housing area off campus. To businesspeople, it represents a strong legacy in commerce. For many in Zazzau, it speaks of a house of nobility and respect. But to countless others, it brings to mind one person—Isyaku Danraka, a town planner, businessman, and a man known for his kindness and generosity.

The iDANRAKA Care Foundation is changing how we think about giving. It is not just about donations or handouts – the usual long queues and few kobos to get the town talking. It is about creating real and lasting change in people’s lives. Whether through helping young people learn new skills, supporting sports, or providing training for the future, the foundation is giving hope to those who need it most. Danraka has quietly been given to students, widows, young people, and others in need for years. Today, his good work has grown into a full foundation that has helped more than 5,000 people.

One of the foundation’s early efforts was the ZYA Phone Repair Project. It trained 150 young people from Zaria and nearby towns in just two months. These young people now have a way to earn a living and help their families. It gave them confidence and a new sense of purpose.

In another inspiring program, 50 young people were chosen from over 800 applicants for a special digital training. They learned to use digital tools, create content, understand artificial intelligence, and find remote jobs. These are life-changing skills that open new doors and build a better future.

The foundation also focuses on those who are often forgotten. People with disabilities are frequently left out of opportunities, but not here. Through the Zaria Para Sports Competition, more than 100 athletes living with disabilities got the chance to play, compete, and be celebrated. These events bring smiles, joy, and a deep sense of belonging. They remind us that everyone matters and deserves a chance to shine.

At the iDANRAKA Football Academy, young boys who dream of playing football professionally are given a real shot. With help from an American agency, scouts from the United States and Dubai came to watch talented players from places like Kano, Maiduguri, and Zaria. For many of these boys, it was their first real chance to be seen and noticed. You could feel the excitement in the air. Dreams suddenly felt possible. I was personally there and witnessed the signing of the MoU. The foundation means business.

Young people are at the heart of everything the foundation does. One of its most powerful programs is the Youth Empowerment Lab. Open to people between 17 and 30 years old, it offers more than just training. It offers hope. It teaches digital skills and shows how to find work online. The foundation even covers transport, meals, internet access, and gives out certificates. I was lucky to speak on a panel during one of the sessions, where we talked about what truly matters in the workplace today. We spoke about creativity, problem-solving, and how real-life experience can be just as important as a university degree. The room was filled with energy and emotion. You could see young people beginning to believe in themselves.

The Zaria Para Sports Competition is now more than a sports event. It is a celebration. Winners receive cash and gifts, but what they take home most is pride. They are seen, respected, and encouraged. These moments lift not just the athletes but their families and communities, too.

In a world where help sometimes feels far away, the iDANRAKA Care Foundation is different. It listens. It understands what people need. It works closely with local communities and offers support that genuinely changes lives. Whether it is a skill to start a small business, a way to earn money online, or a chance to play football, the foundation is lighting the way forward.

The iDANRAKA Care Foundation is not just making a difference. It is spreading hope. From the streets of Zaria to towns across Nigeria, it shows us that when people are given the tools, support, and love they need, there is no limit to what they can achieve.

By Usman Mujtaba

When Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), announced that corps members would receive their monthly allowance of ₦77,000 starting from March 2025, they thought it was business as usual. This is because they had been receiving similar announcements since last year. 

Moreover, the minister also gave multiple assurances recently when he was interviewed on Arise Television, Channels, and even on the MicOn Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, a host of Channels Television’s program Politics Tonight.Perhaps corps members are tired of the DG’s words; they only want action. As one Hausa adage goes, “An gaji da sa ba’a ga kaho ba.”

Unknown to them, this time is different, whether because it comes from the new DG or that the bureaucratic procedure was ripe, I couldn’t tell. But on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, corps members were thrilled to start receiving the ₦77,000 as their allowance, which they call “Allawee.” The jubilation was palpable across all regions of the country. Social media was full of jokes about the development, with one post reading, “NYSC DG for President 2027.” See how the allawee makes people go crazy

After the alert, what’s next? Minimum wage increment and inflation are familiar bedfellows; in fact, many economic pundits are against it, arguing that it won’t increase the value of products sold or services rendered. I was shocked when one of my friends told me that a corps member is tasked with responsibilities at home when they start serving. After a fixed amount, they will send monthly, so many requests will follow from such a home, probably from siblings.

The corps member who serves and the ghost corps member (who does the thumbprint) when the month ends are Tweedledee and Tweedledum in terms of expenses. Here’s why: while the serving corps member will have to budget for foodstuffs and transport, the ghost corps member plans for transport mainly from their hometown in a different state and the amount they’ll probably give to the PPA and/or the secretariat, given the agency’s corruption, nepotism, and favoritism. As such, the expenses become balanced. It’s better for a corps member to calmly settle at their place of primary assignment (PPA) and serve their fatherland.

Is it decisive to reform NYSC at this juncture? As the saying goes, “Eat when the food is ready. Speak when the time is right”? I recently came across an article, “Time to Reform NYSC,” in Daily Trust on April 23, 2025, in which Babakura Aninigi suggests some ways forward for the initiative. Though holistic, his take is realistic. 

Aningi wrote, and I quote, “The federal government should consider restructuring the scheme… to reflect current realities.” This is apt because many believe that all is well with the adoption of a minimum wage. It’s not. Corps members will undoubtedly adjust, but only in the short term because inflation and additional expectations are inevitable. The call for reform of policy and strategy is the appeal for the long term.

The bustle and energy of graduates are palpable in towns whenever the NYSC opens its portal for registration. The energy will be doubled now that every graduate moves with additional zeal to enjoy the new approved allowance.

I discussed with one of my friends the possible addition of allowance from his PPA (a private school in Kano). I told him that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for him to get that addition with his ₦77,000.

He informed me they originally gave ₦5,000. Imagine! It’s indeed another challenge many corps members will face. Some will even withdraw what they usually give. As one of my friends jokingly observed, a corps member’s allowance is more than the salary of some private school headmaster.

₦77,000 is a commendable development, but it shouldn’t douse the energy and kill the idea of reforming the NYSC scheme.

Usman Mujtaba wrote via usmanmujtabashehu@gmail.com.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Governor Umar Bago has directed security agencies to arrest individuals with dreadlocks in Minna, the state capital, as part of a broader clampdown on crime.  

During a high-level security meeting on Tuesday, Governor Bago ordered that those with dreadlocks be arrested, forcibly shaved, and fined. “We will have zero tolerance for rascality. Anybody found with dreadlocks should be arrested, their hair barbed, and fined,” he declared.  

The governor also banned commercial motorcycles and tricycles from operating between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., except in cases of medical emergencies. Additionally, he warned parents to caution their children, vowing a “fire-for-fire” approach to crime.  

Traditional rulers were instructed to document all residents in their domains, while houses harbouring criminals faced demolition. “Niger State is not for useless people,” Bago stated.

The measures aim to curb rising criminality and restore order in the state.

By Musa Idris Panshekara 

Everyone who cares about the future of our society must be terribly worried about some social media users’ behaviours in the name of trendsetting. One of the most trending topics these days is a video clip of a young boy pouring ashes and filthy charcoal over his head.

The youngster vividly states his motive and goal without considering the negative impact of the dust on his health. Earlier this week, another woman appeared, adopting the same style as the young boy. Who copies the other’s style is unbeknownst to me; however, they share the same approach.

Moreover, another young man comes out of the blue – licking a goat’s vagina and uttering his goal of doing the animalistic behaviour. He briskly and shamelessly urged his followers to share it for him to trend. Unfortunately, many people have been sharing and reacting to the post, forgetting that they are indirectly helping to popularise the malicious and extra-moral behaviour contained in the clip.

Nevertheless, setting a goal and working to achieve it is never a sin; rather, the nature of the goal is what matters. Nowadays, youth are desperately seeking popularity blindly, regardless of the means they employ.

Whoever lived in the two or three decades back will undoubtedly know how discipline and moral training are diminishing in our society. By reflecting on the current situation of our youth and the trajectory of their future, if deep thought is given to the scenario, there will be a great challenge in the near future. Our youth lose direction, and they are the so-called leaders of tomorrow. No concrete foundation has been made, yet they are eager for overnight success and popularity.

However, almost no one is safe – as long as there is a smartphone in your house, the moral discipline of your family is at stake of demoralisation. Most children have more interest in comical videos, and many comedians are now pornographising their videos to gain more viewers and followers, which is becoming normal. Thus, everyone can be victimised unknowingly and unintentionally.

How can these bad attitudes be stopped from spreading? Who is responsible for doing so? These two questions can occupy the minds of every good individual who seeks the betterment of society. Thus, if these two important questions were asked, people might have different opinions. But, to me, it is a collective responsibility, while providing individual responsibility remains constant.

We use our phones for personal reasons and have complete control over whom we follow and unfollow on social media. We have the power to decide which posts to like or share. No one besides ourselves has total control over these actions. Therefore, I urge everyone to take immediate action on this issue to shape, clarify, and prepare the future for our born and unborn children.

May Allah guide us to the straight path.

Musa Idris, HND. (Laboratory science technology microbiology), CERT. (Animal production technology), CERT.(Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics investigation), wrote from Panshekara, Kumbotso LGA, Kano.

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman

For 13 years, the Zambian national side had acted as a formidable barrier between Nigeria and footballing success, much like an inspirational goalkeeper. But on a fateful day, approximately 80,000 Nigerian supporters made the pilgrimage to the National Stadium, Surulere, in Lagos, to witness a potentially historic occasion.

That day provided the ultimate platform for the challenge, where Nigeria successfully broke the Zambian jinx for over a decade. This is a summary of a piece titled “The Match that Broke the Myth,” written by Uzor Maxim Uzoatu in the 1980s.

Nigeria has participated in international conferences and organized similar events at national and subnational levels. Specifically, national conferences often provide comprehensive reports for implementation after extensive deliberations from stakeholders nationwide.

But much like the imaginary soccer team above, which endured losses for 13 years, outputs from our symposia appear to be hexed. Reports are submitted, but implementation remains shelved due to forces akin to the Zambian inspirational goalkeeper.

For enlightenment, two precedents come to mind. Since 1999, President Muhammadu Buhari is notably the only president who has not convened a national conference. The late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is an exception, owing to his brief tenure and subsequent nine-month battle with ill health, which ultimately led to his passing.

In February 2005, President Olusegun Obasanjo convened the “National Political Reform Conference.” The gathering was an avenue to reassess, refocus, redefine, and redesign Nigeria’s political landscape to strengthen the bonds of unity.

Accordingly, it sought to enhance democratic consolidation processes, strengthen structures to solidify values that promote democracy and good governance, and open boundless opportunities for all Nigerians to be and feel part of the evolving political process and socio-economic development.

The committee was encouraged to conduct comparative studies, considering Nigeria’s unique realities, specificities, and historical context, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand during that era.

Four hundred and two delegates attended the conference, held between February and July 2005. Copies of the report from that conference were submitted, but nothing substantial happened afterward.

President Goodluck Jonathan convened another conference in 2014. The panel, chaired by retired Chief Justice Idris Kutigi, was assigned to advise the government on the framework for a national dialogue. To accomplish this, they consulted widely with Nigerians, ensuring that diverse perspectives were represented.

The conference, attended by approximately 500 delegates from across Nigeria, proposed substantial reforms. These included scrapping the current system of 774 local authorities to reduce corruption and save costs, creating 18 new states, revising revenue allocation, decreasing the federal government’s share of national income while increasing those of the states, and modifying the presidential system to include parliamentary elements.

Other key recommendations included power sharing and rotation, specifically advocating for the rotation of the presidency and the circulation of governorship among three senatorial districts in each state. These proposals aimed to promote greater representation, equity, and national unity. However, after passing over 600 resolutions and producing a 10,335-page report submitted to the presidency, the recommendations were never implemented.

On October 1, 2024, President Bola Tinubu, adhering to the tradition of past leaders, addressed the nation. At the time of his national broadcast, the country was uncertain whether the sequel to August’s #EndBadGovernance protest, Fearless in October, would take place.

Among numerous announcements, the president declared a National Youth Conference to assemble youths from across Nigeria for meaningful conversations that drive nation-building. Whether this particular aspect of his speech helped shelve the proposed protest remains uncertain.

What is the model for selecting delegates? What topics will be discussed during the proposed 30-day conference? While every youth awaits a response, it is important to note that numerous issues impact the youth, who constitute over 60% of the federation’s population.

In economic terms, recent statistics indicate that over 40% of Nigerian youths are unemployed, leaving millions of young people feeling disillusioned and despondent. This figure may actually be higher, given the ongoing challenges the nation faces in data collection and storage. Will this pressing issue be addressed at the conference?

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), an astounding 63% of the population—approximately 133 million individuals, nearly six out of ten Nigerians—live in multidimensional poverty, with the majority being youths. Will poverty be included on the conference’s agenda?

Limited access to quality education, caused by inadequate infrastructure, scarce resources, and a lack of strong support systems, leaves the dreams of many unfulfilled. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the student loan scheme through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) does not assist the 20.2 million uneducated young Nigerians. Will this become a subject of debate?

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported in 2023 that approximately 14.3 million Nigerians are involved in drug abuse, with young people predominantly affected. Regrettably, one in four women also participates in this harmful practice. Given its consequences, including widespread unproductivity and elevated crime rates, this critical issue merits discussion at the conference.

Despite youth affirmative action policies aimed at ensuring 30% representation in the public sector—including federal and state executive councils, boards of parastatals and agencies, and local government councils—and 35% representation in political party leadership positions, electoral bodies, and legislative assemblies for individuals between 18 and 35 years, there remains a significant issue of gross misrepresentation and inadequate youth participation in governance and decision-making.

Numerous other issues also impact Nigerian youth, such as migration for better opportunities, cultural constraints, child marriage and early pregnancy, cybercrime, youth radicalization, the role of young Nigerians in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and the erosion of cultural identity and values. These topics deserve thoughtful discussion.

As of the time the president promised to work toward modalities for this conference and the selection of delegates in “close consultation with our young people through their representatives,” skepticism looms large.

At the State House in Abuja earlier this month, the president inaugurated the planning committee of the National Youth Conference, tasking the youths—whom he described as the “heartbeat of the nation”—to seize the opportunity to redefine their future. Nigerians keenly await the modalities that the committee will set.

Our hopes lie in the words of Eric Teniola, a seasoned columnist, who said after the 2014 National Conference: “A conference will not solve all our problems, but it will give us a platform to exchange ideas and maybe iron out our differences. A conference may halt our present drift to anarchy.”

Therefore, we hope that this National Youth Conference, proposed by the president and his team, will be ‘The Conference that Breaks the Myth’ of unyielding conferences in Nigeria.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be contacted at dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Maryam Ahmad

Senegalese-born TikTok star Khaby Lame, the most-followed personality on the platform, recently met with Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in Dakar. The visit focused on youth empowerment and using social media for positive change.

Lame, who was born in Senegal before relocating to Italy, expressed his commitment to giving back to his homeland. He underscored the importance of education and digital literacy, highlighting how platforms like TikTok can inspire and educate young people.

President Faye praised Lame for his global influence, noting that his journey from humble beginnings to international fame inspires African youth. The president encouraged young people to leverage digital opportunities for self-development and economic growth.

Beyond meeting with the president, Lame partnered with UNICEF during his stay in Senegal. Over four days, he engaged with children in health, education, and climate change awareness programs. His visit aimed to draw attention to the challenges faced by African youth and promote initiatives that support their growth.

Lame’s visit underscores the power of social media influencers to drive change. His collaboration with government and international organisations highlights the role digital platforms play in shaping the future of young Africans.

Many Nigerian youth are also turning to social media for career opportunities, so Lame’s story motivates content creators and entrepreneurs across the continent. His rise to fame proves that talent, creativity, and persistence can open global doors, regardless of one’s background.

By Mujahid Nasir Hussain

Before I received my call-up letter to serve in Kaduna, I had only visited two states in Nigeria: Bauchi and Katsina. As rooted as I was in Kano, I was confident that one day, a journey would take me on an expansive adventure. On a Monday morning, my letter arrived, and I was assigned to Kaduna. Without hesitation, I accepted the call, feeling both the weight of the commitment and a sense of excitement for the journey ahead.

My arrival at the Government College Temporary Orientation Camp, Kurmin Mashi, was immediately followed by an unexpected nomination. A day after settling in, the NYSC certificate officer responsible for Muslim affairs addressed us after the Fajr prayer. He announced they would select a camp Ameer, Imams, and mosque officials to guide and regulate Muslim activities for the three-week orientation. While the officer invited all interested corps members to a screening at 9:00 a.m., I initially had no interest in volunteering. 

I had been an Imam throughout my four years at Bayero University Kano and knew the demands of such a role well. However, a friend’s persistent encouragement eventually swayed me. He reminded me that contributing in this way could be significant, so I agreed to attend the screening. By the end of the process, I was nominated as the camp Ameer among a large pool of competent Muslim corps members. This role demanded dedication, organisation, and the ability to balance multiple responsibilities, each of which became an invaluable part of my camp experience.

I sought additional ways to engage and support my fellow corps members throughout the orientation. Given my background in a medical-related field, I joined the Red Cross team, a requirement for those in health-related disciplines. This opened up an opportunity to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and choking management, skills I had learned and been certified in through the Basic Life Support training at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital just four weeks before arriving in camp. Sharing this knowledge with my peers was a gratifying experience and reinforced my commitment to the responsibilities I had taken on.

As the orientation phase ended, the NYSC program’s next chapter brought me another unexpected role—the position of Medical & Health Community Development Service (CDS) president. This time, I was both surprised and a little amused at the nomination, especially when someone in the group remarked, “He only studied physiology,” implying that there were candidates with medical and pharmacy degrees who might be more fitting for the role. However, my fellow corps members saw beyond that comment, recognising my active participation and consistent presence in discussions on various health issues. Their confidence in me reaffirmed my belief in engaging fully in every opportunity, regardless of qualifications or prior experience.

One of the most transformative aspects of my NYSC journey was my placement at a diagnostic centre. This placement became a learning ground where I progressed from never handling a sonography probe to becoming a trusted cardiac sonographer. Each day at the centre involved performing different scanning procedures, including cardiac sonography—a skill I never expected to acquire. 

Before long, I began visiting primary healthcare centres to conduct these scans and report results, trusted to work independently by the centre. This experience not only built my technical skills but also gave me confidence and professional growth that went far beyond the confines of my physiology degree.

Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful for the complete immersion I experienced by staying in Kaduna. Many corps members, especially those posted close to their home states, travel back frequently, often missing out on opportunities to develop their skills more deeply. Though I only made two trips back to Kano throughout my service year, the experiences and skills I gained in Kaduna were irreplaceable. 

NYSC offered a space where I could grow beyond the confines of my academic background, gaining hands-on expertise that would ultimately make me more valuable in the job market. The scheme is a golden opportunity to stand out for those wondering about the job prospects after NYSC. If I had only my physiology degree to present to future employers, I’d be no different from countless other graduates with the same qualification. But by stepping out of my comfort zone, learning sonography, and building leadership experience, I now have more to offer.

Prospective corps members should view the NYSC year as more than a routine or obligatory service period. It’s an opportunity to develop skills that add value to your degree and increase your chances in the job market. 

With the right mindset, your NYSC journey can transform and empower you unexpectedly. My time in Kaduna will remain one of the most defining chapters of my life, a journey marked by growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a purpose greater than myself.

Mujahid Nasir Hussain wrote via mujahidhnasir@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treason charges brought against several minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu approved the dismissal after Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), moved an application for discontinuation.

Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for withdrawal.

The DPPF also requested that proceedings exclude the minors from the courtroom, in compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA and the Child Rights Act.

Defense lawyers, including Femi Fanala (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading Justice Egwuatu to officially drop the charges.

This decision comes after 114 protesters were granted bail of N10 million each with two sureties by Justice Egwuatu last Friday, following their arraignment on charges of treason and related offenses.

Health concerns prevented five minors from attending the arraignment, while four defendants reportedly collapsed in court, prompting a brief adjournment.

Further proceedings for both groups of defendants are scheduled for January 24, 2025.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the AGF to ensure the release of the minors involved in the protest.