ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu On Monday, ordered the immediate release of all minors who were arrested for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests held in August.
The announcement was made by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during an emergency briefing with State House correspondents at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Idris said, “The President has ordered the immediate release of all the minors who have been arrested by the Nigeria Police without prejudice to whatever legal processes they are undergoing. He has directed that they be released immediately.
“Secondly, the President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately attend to the welfare of these minors, and to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.
“Thirdly, the President has directed that an administrative committee will be set up immediately, to be headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.
“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if any infractions are found to have been committed by any official of Government, whether from a law enforcement agency or another appropriate authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”
The directive comes amid public outcry over the recent trial of at least 76 individuals, including 30 minors, who were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony offenses, such as treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny.
The minors involved are reportedly between 14 and 17 years old.
More details to follow…