On Monday, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced the immediate release of 29 children who were facing the death penalty for allegedly participating in protests linked to the country’s severe cost-of-living crisis. This decision comes in response to mounting pressure from activists and human rights organizations advocating for the minors’ rights.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris confirmed to reporters in the capital, Abuja, that President Tinubu has also mandated an investigation into the law enforcement officers responsible for the arrests and prosecutions of these children. Although the president’s order has been issued, the minors are not expected to be released until Tuesday, pending a court order.
The children had been in detention since August, along with over 70 others who were arraigned on charges including treason, property destruction, and mutiny following the protests. These demonstrations erupted in August as citizens expressed their grievances over rising living costs, which have reached crisis levels in Nigeria, leading to violent clashes between security forces and demonstrators. Some protesters were killed during the unrest, and hundreds were arrested, highlighting the volatile situation in the country.
Source:https://apnews.com/