Tinubu Directs Release Of Minors On Trial For Treason

President Bola Tinubu has directed the release of minors between the ages of 12 to 16 years who are being tried for treason for participating in the August hunger protest.

Naija News reported that about 76 minors were charged in court by Nigeria Police on Friday, for terrorism, treason and arson for participating in hunger protest.

The trial of the minors generated condemnation from the public and politicians, including former presidential candidates, Peter Obi of the Labour Party; Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Also, the governors of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, and his Bauchi counterpart, Bala Mohammed also condemned the trial of the minors.

Human rights organizations and activists, including Amnesty International, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERA), former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, and Aisha Yesufu among others also condemned the trial.

The outraged on the trial also resulted in the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, taking over the case file from the Nigeria police.

According to Channels TV National Assembly correspondent, Terry Ikumi, the President gave the order on Monday.

Ikumi, on his X handle, wrote, “The President has directed the immediate release of all the minors that have been arrested by the Nigerian police, without prejudice to whatever legal processes ongoing!”

As of the time of filing this report, there has yet to be official statement from the presidency.