Tinubu orders probe of security agents involved in arrest, detention of minors

President Bola Tinubu has directed an investigation into the arrest and arraignment of minors detained for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, told State House correspondents that the president issued the directive to Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice.

Idris said the president has directed the immediate release of all minors arraigned over their involvement in hunger protest.

He added that Tinuhu also asked the humanitarian affairs ministry to rehabilitate the minors.

“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 take part to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country,” Idris 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’s 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 agency or whoever that person may be, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”

In August, many Nigerians across different states staged #EndBadGovernance protest against the state of the station.

The 10-day protest turned violent in some states  with protesters, leading to looting and destruction of public and private properties.

Many of the protesters were also seen waving Russian flags in some northern states.

On November 1, the police arraigned 76 persons, mostly malnourished minors, for alleged involvement in the protest, charging them with treason.

However,  four of the minors collapsed n court.

The minors’ arraignment ignited public outcry on social media, leading to demands for their release, after which the attorney-general asked the police for the case files.