Nigerian President Orders Release of Minors Detained During Cost-of-Living Protests

Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained during protests against the rising cost of living in August, as well as the dropping of treason charges against them

Information Minister Mohammed Idris made this announcement on Monday.

The protests, which erupted in August, were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with economic conditions, leading to the arrest of at least 76 individuals, including 30 minors, who faced charges of treason and inciting a military coup. The arraignment of the minors has drawn significant public outrage, especially after images of them being paraded in court surfaced last Friday, prompting calls for their release.

The ongoing cost-of-living crisis in Nigeria has fueled protests in various cities, including the capital, Abuja, and the commercial hub of Lagos.

Demonstrators have voiced their frustrations over economic reforms that have resulted in soaring inflation and a dire financial situation, the worst in a generation.

According to rights group Amnesty International, at least 22 people lost their lives during the August protests in confrontations with security forces.

President Tinubu has committed to implementing necessary reforms to stabilise the economy in response to the unrest. However, alongside the financial crisis, Nigerians are also grappling with widespread insecurity, particularly in northern regions where armed gangs frequently kidnap residents and schoolchildren for ransom, further exacerbating the nation’s challenges.

The president’s directive to release detained minors represents a significant shift in the government’s approach to the protests, reflecting the growing public pressure for accountability and justice amid the country’s economic turmoil.