In response to rising public outcry regarding the treatment of suspects arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all detained minors and launched an investigation into the security agencies involved in their arrest.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the decision during a press briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
The announcement follows a wave of inquiries and concerns from the public and human rights advocates about the fate of the minors, who were arrested by the Nigerian police and subjected to legal proceedings.
This commitment comes against the government’s realization of the need for accountability and the need to address potential abuses of power within security agencies.
Enumerating the decisions, he said: “Fourthly, the President has also directed that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if there are any infractions found to have been committed by any official of government, be him, a law enforcement agency, or whoever that person may be appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.”
Reports of distressing scenes in the courtroom further fueled the urgency of the situation.
Idris emphasized President Tinubu’s commitment to both democracy and the rule of law, stating, “Mr. President has directed that all minors arrested by the Nigerian police be released immediately, without prejudice to any ongoing legal processes.”
This directive signals a significant shift in the government’s approach to handling minors involved in protests, prioritizing their welfare amid legal complexities.
In addition to the immediate release, the President has directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the welfare of the minors. Idris explained that the ministry will facilitate the safe reunion of these children with their parents or guardians, addressing humanitarian concerns that have arisen since the arrests.
Moreover, an Administrative Committee will be established, headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to investigate all issues surrounding the arrests, including the treatment of the minors during detention. This committee aims to ensure accountability and transparency regarding the actions of law enforcement during the protests.
The Minister reiterated that while legal processes must be respected, the humanitarian aspect of this situation is paramount.
“Mr. President has made it clear that regardless of the circumstances, the minors should be released and cared for,” he noted.
The text of Idris’ address read: “All of you are aware that in the last couple of days, there have been some very deep inquiries and commentaries about the fate or the situation regarding the minors that you saw towards the end of last week, the ones that had been arrested by the Nigerian police and that were undergoing some legal processes.
“You also saw what happened in the courtroom. And as a result of that, Mr. President, because of his very deep commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and what is prejudice also to whatever legal processes there are.
“On the other hand, on the human part of it has directed that some announcements be made.
“I recall that I had short briefing with Mr. President early this evening, and he has directed the immediate release of all the minors that have been arrested by the Nigerian police, without prejudice to whatever legal processes there are, all minors the President das directed that all of them be released immediately.
“Second, the President has also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of those minors, and also take part to ensure that they are in smooth reunion with their parents or guardians, wherever they are in the country.
“Number three, the President has directed that a committee will be set up immediately to be headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. Is actually an Administrative Committee to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these young minors.
“Fourthly, the President has also directed that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest and the legal processes will be investigated, and if there are any infractions found to have been committed by any official of government, be him, a law enforcement agency, or whoever that person may be appropriate, disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.
“So to recap, the President has directed that these children, these minors, be released immediately. This is, of course, without prejudice to whatever legal processes there are.
“Of course, if you look at this issue, there is the legal side of it, but there is also the human angle, the humanitarian side of it.
“Mr. President has directed that whatever the circumstances are, let the minors be released. They can, of course, continue whatever process there is if indeed there is, as stipulated by our laws. But for the minors, the President has directed that all of them be released.
“To recap, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs has been charged, has been directed by the President to ensure that they have safe return and reunion to their family members, and like I said earlier, if there are any infractions being committed by any law enforcement officer or any official of government, a disciplinary action will be taken against such person.”
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