President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of minors detained during recent protests against Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shared the President’s directive, which follows the arrest of 76 individuals, including 30 minors, during the August #EndBadGovernance protests.
The protests, which took place in several Nigerian states, reflected widespread dissatisfaction over economic conditions. Some protesters carried Russian flags, leading to charges of treason and incitement against the government.
The President’s directive instructs the Attorney-General of the Federation to release the minors while maintaining due legal processes for adult detainees.
The President also mandated an investigation into the actions of law enforcement officers involved in the minors’ arrests, with disciplinary measures for any misconduct.
“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,” he announced.
Additionally, President Tinubu tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction with ensuring that the minors’ immediate welfare needs are met. An Administrative Committee will be formed to review all aspects of the minors’ arrest, detention, and release.
The Information Minister said, “Second, 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.
“Number three, the President has directed that a committee be set up immediately to be headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, it is actually an Administrative Committee, to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these minors.
“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if there are any infractions found to have been committed by any official of Government, be it a law enforcement agent, or whoever that person may be, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”
