The Niger State Government has granted administrative bail to the alleged leader of the recent protests that rocked the Kpakungu area of Minna, the Niger State capital, Aisha Jibrin, and 24 others.
The latest development may not be unconnected to the public outcry and backlash their arrests received, with people from across the country calling for their immediate release.
The Niger State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Binta Mamman, who disclosed this, explained that they were arrested to enable the Police to extract information for further action, adding that following a thorough review of the circumstances that led to their arrest, they have been released to their families.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, the Commissioner maintained that the protesters were violent, vandalising properties, which led to their arrest, to curtail escalation.
According to her, “the protest occurred as at the time the Governor was presiding over the weekly State Executive Council meeting, and had in his opening remarks, emphasised the need to come up with modalities, that would cushion the effect of the economic hardship on the people, when he received a distress call about the protest.”
The Information Commissioner assured that the Niger State Government is committed to upholding the rights and freedoms of all citizens and ensuring transparency, fairness and justice in all legal matters.
She called on the public to continue to be patient and show understanding, as the government is not unaware of the prevailing economic hardship, but that drastic measures are being taken to mitigate it.
Editor: Ken Eseni
