On Monday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate release of all minors detained for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place in August.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during an emergency briefing with State House correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Idris stated, “The President has directed the immediate release of all minors arrested by the Nigeria Police, regardless of any ongoing legal proceedings. He has given the order for their immediate freedom.”
The Minister also shared that President Tinubu had instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to promptly address the welfare of the minors and ensure their safe reunion with their parents or guardians across the country.
In addition, the President has mandated the establishment of an administrative committee, led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to investigate all aspects of the minors’ arrests, detention, treatment, and eventual release.
Furthermore, the President directed that a thorough investigation be conducted into the actions of all law enforcement officials involved in the arrests and legal proceedings. Any official found to have violated regulations or acted improperly will face disciplinary measures.
This directive comes in the wake of public outcry over the arraignment of at least 76 individuals, including 30 children, who were charged on Friday with multiple felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and mutiny. The minors involved in the case were between the ages of 14 and 17.
