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BREAKING: President Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Malnourished Minors After Public Outcry
Activists and human rights organizations had called for their release, citing concerns over their well-being and the legal grounds for their detention.
Abuja, Nigeria- President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of malnourished minors detained by the Nigeria Police for over two months.
The announcement came during an emergency briefing held by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
The minors were previously arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court on Friday, November 1, sparked national and global outrage.
Activists and human rights organizations had called for their release, citing concerns over their well-being and the legal grounds for their detention.
Minister Idris conveyed the President’s directive to State House correspondents, stating, “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 comes in response to widespread outrage surrounding the trial of at least 76 individuals, including 30 children, who were presented in court on Friday and faced 10 felony charges, including treason, destruction of property, public disturbance, and mutiny.
