President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested and detained as part of the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Guidance, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing with State House correspondents.

Idris said the President had directed the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to immediately begin the process of securing the release of the minors.

“The president has ordered that all minors be released and reunited with their families wherever they are in the country. A committee was established to examine issues related to their arrest, detention and release. All law enforcement officers connected to the case will be investigated and anyone found guilty will be brought to justice,” he said.

Furthermore, the President directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to provide immediate social assistance to these minors and ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians across the country.

Furthermore, the President ordered the immediate formation of an administrative committee, headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine all matters related to the arrest, detention, treatment and possible release of minors.

“Fourth, the President also ordered that all law enforcement officers involved in the arrest and legal proceedings be investigated, and that if violations are found to have occurred, been committed by a government official, whether a law enforcement agency or another appropriate agency. authority, disciplinary measures will be taken against him,” Idris added.

The directive comes amid public outcry over the trial of at least 76 people, including 30 children, who were brought to court on Friday on charges of treason, destruction of property, disturbing public order and of mutiny.

History

Earlier Friday, the federal government charge Seventy-six individuals, including 30 minors, are accused of treason and inciting a military coup following their involvement in deadly protests in August over economic hardship, according to court documents.

• In August, protesters took to the streets of Abuja, the commercial hub of Lagos and several other cities to express their discontent with economic reforms that have led to high inflation and increasing hardship for ordinary Nigerians.
• President Bola Tinubu has committed to the reforms, saying they are necessary to support the country’s economy.
• Amnesty International reported that at least 13 people were killed in clashes with security forces on the first day of protests.

The human rights organization noted that minors have been detained by the Nigerian police since August for protesting against growing insecurity and deprivation in the country.

According to the indictment, the suspects were investigated between July and August.

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