By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
PRESIDENT BOLA Tinubu has directed the immediate release of all minors detained in connection with the August 1 protests against rising living costs.
The President’s order follows an intense public outcry over footage showing young detainees, who appeared malnourished and distressed, during their court appearance on treason charges in Abuja.
President Tinubu also said that the directive also aims to uphold justice while balancing the welfare of the youths involved.
Speaking to reporters, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed the President’s intervention, explaining that Tinubu, deeply committed to democratic values and the rule of law, took immediate action after a review of the circumstances surrounding the detentions.
The President also instructed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to assume control of the treason cases against adults arrested during the protests, taking over from the police to ensure legal standards are met.
The protests, held across several cities in response to the escalating cost of living, turned violent in certain areas, particularly in Kano and Kaduna States.
Dozens of government buildings and private properties suffered damage, including the multi-billion-naira Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) equipment awaiting inauguration in Kano.
Protesters, some carrying Russian flags, were recorded calling for a change in government, escalating tensions.
Thereafter, security forces responded by arresting 119 individuals, including 29 minors, who faced charges in court.
As the proceedings began, social media footage revealed images of visibly frail minors in the courtroom, sparking outrage and appeals for their release.
Several minors reportedly collapsed in court due to poor health, forcing the prosecution to withdraw their names from the case until they regained stability.
In light of this, the President ordered the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to thoroughly investigate the minors’ arrests and detention circumstances.
Moreover, the ministry is tasked with ensuring the safe return of each minor to their families and assessing any humanitarian concerns related to their wellbeing.
Additionally, Tinubu established an Administrative Committee, headed by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to examine the roles of law enforcement officials involved in the minors’ arrest and detention process, with an assurance of disciplinary action against any officers found to have committed violations.
Attorney-General Takes Over
Following the President’s directive, Attorney-General Fagbemi swiftly requested the transfer of case files related to the treason charges from the police.
Fagbemi, who officially received the files over the weekend, filed an application to assume control and subsequently requested the Federal High Court in Abuja to discontinue charges against the minors.
Presiding Judge Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the application to drop the case against the minors, affirming their immediate release. At the court session, Fagbemi’s counsel, M.D. Abubakar, stated that the Attorney-General had the constitutional authority to oversee and discontinue cases, as outlined in Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution.
Human rights advocates commended the Attorney-General’s intervention noting that the decision aligns with both the Child Rights Act and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ensuring legal protections for minors involved in criminal cases.
Hamza Kyari, representing additional defendants, also voiced support for the AGF’s move, reinforcing the principle of safeguarding minors’ rights.
The development occurs amid ongoing investigations into the violent turn the protests took in early August.
Initial reports revealed that government assets and other public properties were targeted, causing significant damage.
The Attorney-General’s office has committed to handling the prosecution of the remaining defendants, scheduled for January 24, 2025, to bring justice to the larger protest’s complex case.
President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to the rule of law and respect for human rights, asserting that the welfare of young Nigerians remains a priority.
Furthermore, the President emphasized the importance of judicial oversight and humane treatment for all citizens as well as to restore public trust and ensure that minors involved in protests are not unduly subjected to criminal proceedings, especially under harsh conditions.
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