By Anas Abbas
President Bola Tinubu has mandated the immediate release of all minors arrested in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a press briefing at the State House on Monday.
Accompanying Idris were Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and Orientation.
Idris revealed that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to initiate the process for the minors’ release.
He stated, “The President has directed that all minors be released and reunited with their families across the country. A committee has been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and subsequent release. Any law enforcement officials involved will face appropriate consequences.”
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has also urged the Federal Government to cease the treason trials of #EndBadGovernance protesters and to release all minors involved.
In a statement issued in response to the ongoing trial of minors at a Federal High Court in Abuja, the ACF condemned the proceedings as a “show of shame” and criticized the government for its excessive use of force.
The statement, signed by ACF National Publicity Secretary Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, described the trial of minors as an example of “needless official high-handedness at its worst.”
Earlier on Monday, Sheikh Ahmed Umar, Youth Leader of the Tijaniyya Islamic Movement in Africa, called on President Tinubu to issue an executive order for the immediate release of the detained minors.
In an interview with reporters in Kaduna, Umar expressed outrage over the government’s actions and condemned the arraignment of minors on serious charges such as treason.
He noted, “It is unjust for a 10-year-old child, who lacks understanding of their rights, to be charged with offenses meant for adults.” He further demanded that these children be released and compensated for their ordeal.
Umar, who recently chaired the Northern Youth Summit organized by the National Youth Alliance in Kaduna, stressed the importance of youth involvement in governance to address Nigeria’s pressing issues.
He stated that empowering youth could help tackle challenges such as security and unemployment.
He concluded by urging Nigerian youths to take charge of their future and actively participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.