ABUJA - 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.

       Amnesty International said at least 22 people died during the demonstrations in clashes with security forces.

       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. REUTERS