President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors arrested and detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing with State House correspondents yesterday.
Idris stated that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, to begin the process of securing the release of the minors immediately.
The Minister said, “The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families anywhere they are in the country. A committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated, and anyone found wanting will be brought to book”.
Additionally, Idris said the President has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to provide immediate welfare support to these minors and ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians across the country.
Furthermore, the President instructed the immediate formation of an administrative committee, to be led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to review all matters related to the minors’ arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release.
“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if any infractions are found to have been committed by any official of Government, whether from a law enforcement agency or another appropriate authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her”, Idris added.
Recall that last Friday, the Federal Government charged 76 individuals, including 30 minors, with treason and inciting a military coup following their involvement in deadly protests in August against economic hardship, according to court documents.
