Nigerian President Orders Release of Minors Detained During Protests

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has directed the release of minors detained during protests against economic hardship. The decision follows public outrage over their charges of treason and inciting a coup, with rights groups calling for their release. Protests have erupted nationwide due to rising costs of living, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has ordered the immediate release of all minors who were detained following their participation in August protests against escalating living costs. Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced this directive, indicating that charges, including treason and inciting a military coup, will be dropped. The decision comes after significant public backlash against the arrests, particularly the arraignment of minors, which garnered widespread criticism from various rights organizations.

In recent months, Nigeria has experienced a wave of protests driven by a cost-of-living crisis that is unprecedented in recent history. Protests erupted in August in several cities, including Abuja and Lagos, demanding better economic opportunities and jobs for the youth. The protests turned deadly, with Amnesty International reporting that at least 22 individuals lost their lives during confrontations with security forces. The government has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its handling of dissenting voices amidst these economic hardships.

The Nigerian government’s response to the protests, notably the release of minors charged with grave offenses, reflects an effort to quell public outrage and address calls for greater accountability. The socio-economic challenges facing the nation continue to incite unrest, with citizens seeking reforms to alleviate their plight amid a floundering economy and security concerns. The actions taken by President Tinubu may signify a pivotal moment for governance in Nigeria as it grapples with these pressing issues.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com