The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all minors who were apprehended and detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
Naturenex reports that the Minister made this known while speaking to State House Correspondents on Monday.
He stated that President Tinubu also ordered a thorough investigation into the actions of all law enforcement officials involved in the case, ensuring that anyone found at fault will face appropriate consequences.
Idris said: “The President has directed that all minors be released on the and also 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.”
Also confirming the directive, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has also been directed to ensure the safe return of all the minors to their families.
“President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation to do everything possible to ensure the immediate release of minors detained by the Nigeria Police in connection with the recent protests without prejudice to whatever legal processes are ongoing.
“The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has also been directed to ensure the safe return of all the minors to their families while an investigation has been opened into the circumstances leading to their prolonged detention,” Onanuga wrote on X.
Recall that the Nigeria Police had last week Friday brought several protesters—many of whom were reportedly minors—before a Federal High Court in Abuja. During the proceedings, four children collapsed and had to be removed from the courtroom.
The court subsequently granted N10 million bail to 72 defendants while removing the names of the four ailing children from the charge list. All other defendants pleaded not guilty.
The detentions sparked nationwide debate, with human rights advocates urging authorities to prioritize the welfare of the children and ensure their rights are fully respected in any legal proceedings.
