ABUJA : President Bola Tinubu –ordered the immediate release of all minors facing prosecution for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests, without prejudice to ongoing legal processes. The directive came after 19 protesters, including three minors, were arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Tinubu’s decision follows widespread calls for the release of minors detained during the protests. Human rights groups, Northern governors, and political figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have demanded the children’s freedom.
In response, the President instructed the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to facilitate the minors’ release. He also ordered the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to oversee their welfare and ensure they are reunited with their families.
Also, a committee will be set up to investigate the handling of the minors’ cases and ensure accountability for any misconduct by law enforcement.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the President’s decision is aimed at balancing the legal process with a humanitarian approach. He emphasized that while the legal proceedings can continue, the minors will be released immediately.
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Meanwhile, protests erupted in Abuja over rising fuel prices and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrators called for an end to the fuel subsidy, which they argue only benefits a few, and demanded transparency and deregulation in the oil sector. They also criticized the importation of substandard fuel, which has damaged vehicles and businesses.
Activists like Abdullahi Bilal and Napoleon Otache highlighted the severe impact of the fuel crisis, citing inflation and increased poverty, and demanded accountability from the government and oil companies.
Reacting to the President’s directive on the minors, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, called for the dismissal of all charges against the protesters, arguing there is no evidence to support the treason accusations. He urged the Attorney General to formally drop the charges against all those arrested in connection with the protests.
