All the minors detained in connection with the August 1 cost of living protest are to be released on the order of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris announced this yesterday. According to him, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has also been directed to take over the prosecution of the treason trial of others arrested in connection with the protest from the police. The police arraigned the minors and others on Friday for treason before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The circuation of the video footage of the minors in the social media as soon as they were taken to court generated furore. Following this, the AGF requested the police to send the file of the case to his office for review and action. The President also directed the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention of the minors. Idris revealed that the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry was further mandated to ensure that the minors were returned safely to their families and that their welfare was taken care of. One hundred and nineteen violent protesters were arrested in connection with the protest, especially in Kano and Kaduna states. The protest over cost of living crisis was hijacked and turned violent. Many government institutions and private concerns were willfully destroyed. Many of the violent protesters carried Russian flags, calling for a change of government. The multi-billion naira Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) newly installed equipment due for inauguration in Kano was vandalised. The Kano State Government House was partly looted. Before the arraignment of the first batch containing 76 names, four of them believed to be minors collapsed necessitating the prosecutor to withdraw their names until they recuperated. The second batch was made of 43 names. One also had to be withdrawn from standing trial due to ill health. All the 114 protesters that eventually faced the court, including 29 minors, were each granted N10 million bail with two sureties. Their case files were marked FHC/ABJ/CR/503/2024 and FHC/ABJ/CR/527/2024 But Tinubu, according to Idris, expressed a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of young Nigerians. Idris told reporters that the President also emphasised the importance of resolving the matter with a balance between lawful procedure and humanitarian considerations. The minister said: “All of you are aware that in the last couple of days, there have been some very deep inquiries and commentaries about the fate of the situation regarding the minors that had been arrested by the Nigerian police and undergoing some legal processes. “You 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 without prejudice also to whatever legal processes there are and on the other hand, on the human part of it, he has directed that some announcements be made. “I recall that I had a short briefing with Mr President early this evening (yesterday), 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, the President has 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 there are smooth reunions 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. It is an Administrative Committee to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of these minors. “The President has directed that 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 the government, be him, a law enforcement agency, or whoever, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him or her.” The Nation learnt that AGF Fagbemi will today take over the two cases relating to the protest. The cases were earlier adjourned till January 24 next year Fagbemi received the case files at the weekend. Post navigation President Tinubu swears in seven new ministers. President Tinubu tells UK, “Adopt fair approach towards Africa”
