Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered the release of all minors detained for participating in August protests, dropping treason charges against them, Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced on Monday.
In the wake of anti-government protests sparked by economic hardship, at least 76 individuals, including 30 minors, faced treason and incitement charges. Amnesty International reported that the demonstrations resulted in 22 deaths during clashes with security forces.
Public outrage surged after the minors were paraded in court last Friday, prompting renewed criticism of the government’s response to dissent. In response, Idris confirmed, “The President has directed that these children, these minors, be released immediately.”
The minors had been granted bail on Friday, with trials initially scheduled for January.
The August protests saw thousands take to the streets in Lagos, Abuja, and other cities, opposing Tinubu’s economic reforms, which have spurred inflation and a severe cost-of-living crisis. Despite the backlash, Tinubu has remained firm on implementing these changes, describing them as essential for Nigeria’s economic stability.
