BREAKING:Tinubu Orders Unconditional Release of Minors Arraigned For #EndBadGovernance Protest

President Bola Tinubu has directed that all minors arraigned over the #EndBadGovernance protest be released immediately. 

In a briefing with State House correspondents on Monday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information, said the president issued the directive to Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation.

“I recall that I had a 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,” Idris said.

“There are all minors. The president has directed that all of them be released immediately.”

In August, Nigerians embarked on a protest against economic hardship and spiralling inflation. The rallies turned violent in some parts of the country.

Some protesters were seen wielding Russian flags in certain northern states.

On November 1, the federal government arraigned 76 persons who allegedly took part in the protest, and charged them with treason

Majority of those arraigned were minors who looked malnourished and sickly. Four of the minors collapsed in the courtroom on the day

The arraignment had sparked an uproar on social media amid calls for their release and respect for their right to dignity in line with the Child Rights Act.

The attorney-general had asked the police to hand over the case files in the wake of the uproar.