President Bola Tinubu has mandated a thorough investigation into the arrest, prosecution, and treatment of minors detained for their participation in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The protests, which erupted across Nigeria in August, saw widespread demonstrations against the country’s prevailing socio-economic conditions.
In a statement to the press, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, revealed that Tinubu has directed Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, to lead the inquiry.
According to Idris, President Tinubu also ordered the immediate release of all minors who were arraigned for their involvement in the protests. In addition to this, the president has tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with the rehabilitation and welfare of the minors, ensuring they are reunited with their parents or guardians, regardless of their location across the country.
“The president has directed that a committee, headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, will be set up immediately to investigate all issues related to the arrest, detention, treatment, and release of these minors,” Idris confirmed.
Further emphasizing the government’s commitment to accountability, Idris added that President Tinubu has called for an investigation into the actions of law enforcement officials involved in the arrests and the legal proceedings. He stressed that if any misconduct or infractions were found, appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken.
The arrest of these minors came after the #EndBadGovernance protests, which saw demonstrators from various states, including northern regions where some protesters were seen waving Russian flags, calling for an end to the nation’s economic and governance challenges. The protests, which lasted for 10 days, escalated into violence in several states, leading to looting and the destruction of both public and private properties.
On November 1, the police charged 76 individuals, most of whom were malnourished minors, with treason. The arraignment of these minors sparked public outrage, especially after four of them collapsed in court. Social media campaigns demanding their release led to calls for immediate intervention. In response, the Attorney-General has instructed the police to submit their case files for further review.