(BREAKING) ‘Hungry’ minors: Tinubu orders immediate release of #EndBadGovernance protesters
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate release of all minors detained for allegedly taking part in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in August.
During an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this announcement to State House media.
"Without affecting any legal proceedings they may be going through, the President has directed the immediate release of all minors who have been detained by the Nigeria Police," Idris stated. He has given the order to free them right away.
Second, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction has been instructed by the President to address the welfare of these youngsters right away and make sure that they can easily reunite with their parents or guardians, no matter where they are 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 ordered that all law enforcement officers who participated in the arrest and the legal proceedings be investigated, and that any government official—whether from a law enforcement agency or another suitable authority—face disciplinary action if any violations are discovered."
The order comes after at least 76 people, including 30 minors, were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony offences, including treason, property destruction, public disturbance, and mutiny. The trial caused a lot of controversy.
The minors were between the ages of 14 and 17.
Details will be provided later.