President Bola Tinubu has instructed the immediate release of all minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August. The announcement was made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Idris stated, “The President has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested by the Nigeria Police, regardless of any ongoing legal processes. Their release must happen without delay.”
In addition, the President has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the welfare of these minors and facilitate their reunion with parents or guardians across the country.
An administrative committee, led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, will be established to review the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention, treatment, and release of the minors.
Furthermore, all law enforcement officials involved in the arrests and legal proceedings will be subject to investigation, with potential disciplinary action for any infractions identified.
This directive follows significant public outcry regarding the prosecution of at least 76 individuals, including 30 children, who faced multiple felony charges, such as treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny. The ages of the minors involved ranged from 14 to 17 years old.
