President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the immediate release of all minors arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests currently facing prosecution in Nigerian courts. This announcement was made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with State House correspondents in Abuja.
Idris conveyed that the President has also tasked the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to oversee the welfare of these minors. “The President has expressed his deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, which is why he has ordered their immediate release,” he stated.
In a further commitment to accountability, the President has called for an investigation into the actions of law enforcement agents involved in the arrests, detention, and prosecution of the minors. Anyone found responsible for misconduct will face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Additionally, Lateef Fagbemi, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, has been instructed to withdraw all charges against the minors without delay. “There have been numerous inquiries about the fate of the minors arrested by the Nigerian Police, who were undergoing legal processes. As a result of recent courtroom developments, Mr. President has mandated their immediate release,” Idris explained.
The President’s directives also include the formation of an administrative committee, chaired by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to review the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrest, detention, treatment, and release.
Furthermore, Idris emphasized the importance of ensuring that the minors are reunited with their parents or guardians, reflecting the administration’s focus on their welfare. The government’s decisive actions come in response to growing public concern regarding the treatment of these young individuals and highlight President Tinubu’s commitment to upholding the rights of citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
This development signals a notable shift in the government’s approach to the protests and highlights the need for due process and humane treatment of all individuals involved.
