President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors detained by the Nigeria Police after protests in August.
The minors were among 76 people arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, which aimed to highlight economic hardships and other issues.
The protests saw some participants waving Russian flags, leading to charges of treason and calls for a military coup.
The Attorney-General of the Federation has been instructed to ensure the release of these minors without disrupting ongoing legal processes. This decision was announced by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Minister Idris explained that President Tinubu carefully reviewed the minors’ situation and stressed the need for both legal and humanitarian considerations in handling the case.
“I had a short briefing with Mr President this evening, and he has directed the immediate release of all the minors that have been arrested by the Nigerian police without prejudice to whatever legal processes. They are all minors. The President has directed that all of them be released immediately,” Idris said.
Beyond Boders recalls that the protests in August led to the arrest of 76 individuals, including minors aged 14 to 17, in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano. They faced serious charges, including treason and incitement to overthrow the government.
Many civil society groups and human rights activists condemned the situation after several minors reportedly fainted during their court arraignment in Abuja.
Following these events, President Tinubu has asked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the welfare of these minors and oversee their safe return to their families.
An Administrative Committee will be formed under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to review the minors’ arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release.
The President also ordered an investigation into the conduct of all law enforcement officials involved, promising disciplinary action against any officials found guilty of misconduct.
“The President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors and also take part to ensure a smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country,” Idris added.
