FG orders probe of minors detained over #EndBadGovernance protests
On Monday, President Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to prioritize the immediate welfare of the minors, ensuring they are reunited with their parents or guardians
President Bola Tinubu directed the Attorney-General of the Federation on Monday to ensure the immediate release of minors detained by the Nigeria Police in connection with last August’s protests, without prejudice to any ongoing legal processes.
This directive came days after 76 individuals, including 30 minors, were charged with treason and incitement of a military coup for waving Russian flags during the #EndBadGovernance protests against economic hardship.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement to State House correspondents during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. Idris stated that after reviewing the circumstances surrounding these cases, Tinubu emphasized the need to balance legal processes with humanitarian concerns.
“I had a short briefing with the President this evening, and he has directed the immediate release of all minors arrested by the Nigerian police, without considering any ongoing legal processes. They are all minors. The President has instructed that all of them be released immediately,” he announced.
In August, Nigeria experienced widespread protests under the #EndBadGovernance movement, driven by public dissatisfaction with economic difficulties and governance issues. The demonstrations escalated, resulting in the arrest of 76 individuals, which included 30 minors aged between 14 and 17, who faced serious charges such as treason and incitement to a military coup.
The defendants, who have been in detention for three months, were arrested in the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) as well as in Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. They were arraigned by the Inspector General of Police on ten counts related to treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria, and incitement to mutiny by calling for military intervention against President Bola Tinubu.
Notably, during their arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja, at least four minors collapsed, prompting widespread outrage and condemnation from civil society groups and human rights activists.
On Monday, President Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to prioritize the immediate welfare of the minors, ensuring they are reunited with their parents or guardians, regardless of their location within the country.
Additionally, an Administrative Committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to review all aspects related to the minors’ arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release. Furthermore, the President mandated an investigation into the actions of all law enforcement agents and officials involved in the minors’ arrest and legal processing, promising appropriate disciplinary measures against any uncovered misconduct.
The Information Minister stated, “Secondly, the President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the welfare of these minors and facilitate their reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they are in the country.
“Thirdly, the President has ordered the formation of an Administrative Committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to examine all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release of these minors.
“Lastly, the President has mandated an investigation into all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and legal processes. If any infractions are found to have been committed by any government official, whether a law enforcement agent or otherwise, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.” More
