In a significant development, 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters, comprising both minors and adults, arrived at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today.
The group, initially detained and arraigned by the Police Force, gained freedom following a landmark ruling by Justice Obiora Egwatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who dismissed the charges at the request of the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, standing in for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is set to formally welcome the released protesters.
The protesters will be handed over to their respective Governors, Uba Sani of Kaduna and Abba Yusuf of Kano, in an official gesture of reconciliation.
A gathering of prominent government officials attended the reception, held in the State House Auditorium. Ministers present include Tunji Alausa (Education), Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Balarabe Lawal (Environment), and Tanko Sununu (Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction).
Abdullahi Yakasai, Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Northwest, was also in attendance.
In addition, Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau and Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, joined the event, underscoring the government’s focus on addressing public grievances and supporting citizen engagement.
Further details to follow.