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BREAKING: Tinubu Orders Release Of Minors Charged With Treason In Hunger Protest

Published

2 months ago

Nov 4, 2024.

President Bola Tinubu has directed the immediate release of minors aged 12 to 16 who were facing treason charges for their involvement in the August hunger protest.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that approximately 76 minors were charged with terrorism, treason, and arson by the Nigeria Police on Friday.

The trial of these minors has sparked widespread outrage among the public and politicians alike, including notable former presidential candidates such as Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and his Bauchi State counterpart, Bala Mohammed, have also expressed their condemnation of the minors’ trial. Human rights organizations and activists, including Amnesty International, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERA), former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili, and activist Aisha Yesufu, have joined the call against these proceedings.

The public outcry prompted the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to intervene, taking over the case file from the Nigeria Police.

Tinubu release minors

According to Channels TV National Assembly correspondent Terry Ikumi, President Tinubu issued the order for the minors’ release on Monday.

Ikumi reported on his X handle, “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 are ongoing!”

As of this report, there has been no official statement released from the presidency regarding the matter.