Nigeria frees minors charged with treason over protests, minister says
By Reuters |
The arraignment of minors sparked public outrage and criticism of the government after they were paraded in court last Friday.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu directed that all minors detained during anti-government protests in August be freed and treason charges against them dropped, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said on Monday.
At least 76 people, including 30 minors, were charged with treason and inciting a military coup after they took part in deadly August protests against economic hardship.
Keep reading
- Nigeria charges 76, including minors, with treason after August protests
- Kenya faces scrutiny at UN for alleged abuses as rights group reports "culture of impunity"
- CS Duale: There was planned coup againt Ruto govt on June 25
- DCI denies claims of illegal mobile surveillance amid increased abductions
Amnesty International said at least 22 people died during the demonstrations in clashes with security forces.
The arraignment of minors sparked public outrage and criticism of the government after they were paraded in court last Friday.
"The President has directed that these children, these minors, be released immediately," Idris said.
The minors were granted bail on Friday and their trial was set to begin in January.
In August, thousands of Nigerians protested in the commercial capital Lagos, Abuja, and several other cities against Tinubu's painful economic reforms that have stoked inflation and led to the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.
Tinubu has vowed to pursue the changes which he says are needed to keep the country afloat.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!