After national uproar Tinubu orders release of minors detained over protests
Following public outrage, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday at the Presidential Villa.
According to him, the president has directed the Attorney General of the federation and minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to facilitate the process of the release.
He emphasized the government’s recognition of the rights of children and the importance of due process.
Idris stated that the president’s decision comes without prejudice to any ongoing legal processes and underscores the administration’s dedication to ensuring justice and fairness.
He further instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to prioritise the welfare of these minors and facilitate their smooth reunion with family members.
To oversee the implementation of these directives, President Tinubu has mandated the establishment of a committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
This committee will be tasked with ensuring that the welfare of the released minors is adequately addressed.
In addition to the release of the minors, the president has called for an investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
He emphasized that any infractions uncovered during the investigation would result in appropriate disciplinary measures.
He said “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 have been arrested by the Nigerian police and that were undergoing some legal processes.
“You also saw what happened in the courtroom. And as a result of that, Mister President, because of his very deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and what are prejudice also to whatever legal processes there are. On the other hand, on the human part of it has directed that some announcements be made.
“I recall that I had 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. The President has has directed that all of them be released immediately.
“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 that they are smooth reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they are in the country.
“Number three, the President has directed that a committee will be set up immediately to be headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. 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 agency, or whoever that person may face appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her,” he added .
