President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed the immediate release of minors detained for the #EndBadGovernance protests held across Nigeria in August.
The protests focussed on grievances around hunger and bad governance
The action led to the arrest and arraignment of several children, a development that sparked off widespread criticisms both locally and internationally
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the President’s decision to State House correspondents after the swearing-in ceremony for seven newly-appointed ministers confirmed last week by the Senate.
Idris said that the President’s order emphasized an unconditional release, regardless of ongoing legal procedures.
Beyond their release, Tinubu instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to prioritize the minors’ welfare, ensuring proper arrangements are made for their reintegration with their families.
The ministry has also been tasked with creating a comprehensive plan for reuniting the minors with their parents or guardians nationwide.
In addition, the President called for the establishment of a committee, led by the humanitarian affairs ministry, to investigate the circumstances of the minors’ arrest, detention, and treatment.
“This committee aims to address any issues that may have contributed to the children’s arrest and ensure that the release process is carried out smoothly,” the minister said.
