Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Federal Government Monday, ordered the immediate release of all minors who were arrested over their alleged participation in #EndBadGovernance protests that rocked parts of the country in August.
The order according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, was given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Idris who announced this to State House Correspondents during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, said the minors were to be released unconditionally.
Recall that the arraignment of the minors last week in Abuja Federal High Court has attracted national and international condemnation.
Idris said, “The President has ordered the immediate release of all the minors who have been arrested by the Nigeria Police without prejudice to whatever legal processes they are undergoing. He has directed that they be released immediately.
“Secondly, the President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately attend to the welfare of these minors, and to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.
“Thirdly, the President has directed that an administrative committee will be set up immediately, to be headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.
“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if any infractions are found to have been committed by any official of Government, whether from a law enforcement agency or another appropriate authority, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”
The directive follows an uproar over the trial of at least 76 people, including 30 children, who were arraigned on Friday and charged with 10 felony counts, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and mutiny.
Some of the minors ranging from 14 to 17 years old, collapsed during their arrangement.
