President Bola Tinubu has mandated an inquiry into the arrest and prosecution of minors detained for their participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, informed State House correspondents that the president directed Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to undertake this investigation.
Idris stated that the president ordered the immediate release of all minors who were arraigned due to their involvement in the hunger protest. Furthermore, Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to ensure the rehabilitation of these minors.
The information minister noted that the president has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to promptly address the well-being of these children and ensure their reunification with their parents or guardians, regardless of their location within the country.
Additionally, Idris stated that “the president has directed that a committee will be set up immediately to be headed by the Ministry of humanitarian affairs” to examine all issues related to the arrest, detention, treatment, and subsequent release of these young individuals.
He said, “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, Nigerians from various states staged #EndBadGovernance protests against the country’s prevailing conditions. The 10-day demonstrations turned violent in some states, resulting in looting and the destruction of public and private properties.
During these protests, many demonstrators were seen waving Russian flags in several northern states.
On November 1, the police charged 76 individuals, primarily malnourished minors, with treason for their alleged involvement in the protests. However, four of these minors collapsed in court. The minors’ arraignment sparked a public outcry on social media, leading to widespread calls for their release. Subsequently, the Attorney-General requested the police to provide the case files.
Frances Ibiefo
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