Tinubu orders release of minors arraigned over #EndBadGovernance protest

President Bola Tinubu has directed that all minors arraigned over the #EndBadGovernance protest be released immediately. 

In a briefing with State House correspondents on Monday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information, said the president issued the directive to Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation.

“I recall that I had a short briefing with Mr President early this evening, and he has directed the immediate release of all the minors that have been arrested by the Nigerian police, without prejudice to whatever legal processes,” Idris said.

“There are all minors. The president has directed that all of them be released immediately.”

In August, Nigerians embarked on a 10-day protest against economic hardship and spiralling inflation. The rallies turned violent in some parts of the country.

Some protesters were seen waving Russian flags in certain northern states.

On November 1, the federal government arraigned 76 persons who allegedly took part in the protest, and charged them with treason.

Majority of those arraigned were minors who looked malnourished and ill. Four of the minors collapsed in the courtroom on the day.

The arraignment had sparked an uproar on social media amid strident calls for their release.

The attorney-general had asked the police to hand over the case files in the wake of the outrage.

INVESTIGATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

“All of you are aware that in the last couple of days, there have been some very deep inquiries and commentaries about the fate or the situation regarding the minors that you saw towards the end of last week… the ones that had been arrested by the Nigerian police and that were undergoing some legal processes,” Idris said.

“You also saw what happened in the courtroom. And as a result of that, Mr President, because of his very deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and without prejudice also to whatever legal processes are ongoing…

“On the other hand, on the human part of it, has directed that some announcements be made.”

The minister added that the president has also asked the humanitarian affairs ministry to rehabilitate the minors.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the arraignment would be investigated, Idris disclosed.

“Second, the president has also directed the ministry of humanitarian affairs and poverty reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors, and also ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they are in the country,” he said.

“Number three, the president has directed that a committee will be set up immediately to be headed by the ministry of humanitarian affairs.

“It is actually an administrative committee to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, the treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.

“Fourthly, the president has also directed that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if there are any infractions, found to have been committed by any official of government, be him a law enforcement agent, or whoever that person is, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”