President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August. The announcement was made by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. This decision comes after mounting international and local pressure to release the minors, who were among 114 protesters arrested by the police, mostly from the north, for allegedly carrying foreign flags during the protest.
The minors, aged between 12 and 34, faced charges including terrorism, treason, and conspiracy, sparking widespread condemnation from both local and international community.
The prosecution of the protesters alongside the minors attracted criticism from top opposition leaders, human rights activists and the well meaning public. During the arraignment of the first batch of 76 protesters, four defendants collapsed, prompting national outrage.
Furthermore President Tinubu also instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to attend to the welfare of the affected children and facilitate their reunion with their parents or guardians across the country. An administrative committee will be formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrest, detention, and treatment, and ensure similar incidents are prevented in the future. Law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and legal proceedings will also be investigated, and disciplinary actions will be meted against any officials found wanting in the process.
