Nigeria’s President Orders Release of Minors Detained During August Protests Against Cost of Living Crisis

Nigeria’s president has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained during protests in August against rising living costs, with treason charges against them to be dropped, according to Information Minister Mohammed Idris.

“The president has directed that these children, these minors, be released immediately,” Idris stated on Monday.

During the protests, at least 76 individuals, including 30 minors, were charged with treason and inciting a military coup following demonstrations that turned deadly.

The arraignment of the minors sparked significant public outcry and criticism of the government, particularly after they were paraded in court last Friday.

Recent months have seen a surge in protests driven by frustration over Nigeria’s economic situation, with calls for better job opportunities and living conditions for the youth.

In August, demonstrators gathered in major cities such as Abuja and Lagos, expressing discontent with economic reforms that have resulted in rampant inflation and a severe cost-of-living crisis—widely considered the worst in a generation.

Human rights group Amnesty International reported that at least 22 people died during the protests due to clashes with security forces.

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to implement necessary changes to stabilize the economy, while the nation grapples with widespread insecurity that has severely impacted the farming sector, alongside increasing kidnappings for ransom in the northern regions.