The Nigerian government has dropped treason charges against minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests nationwide. This decision follows widespread criticism over the arraignment of 76 protesters, including four minors who collapsed due to apparent illness and malnourishment.
On Tuesday, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, took over the case file and notified the Federal High Court in Abuja of the government’s decision to discontinue the case. Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mohammed Abubakar, filed the application for discontinuance, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Abubakar also requested that court proceedings exclude the presence of minors, referencing the Child’s Rights Act to uphold protections for young defendants. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and other defense lawyers did not oppose the applications.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the charges after receiving no objections. The case drew significant attention following reports that four minors among the protesters collapsed before arraignment.
The minors, aged 14-17, were initially charged by the Nigeria Police Force but were removed from the charge sheet due to their condition. Proceedings continued for the other defendants, who were granted bail under stringent conditions.
Following public outcry, the Attorney-General ordered police to transfer the case file for review. President Bola Tinubu then directed the immediate withdrawal of charges and an investigation into the minors’ arrest and detention.The President’s directive came barely 24 hours after the Attorney-General’s order. This development signals a shift in response to public concerns over the handling of young protesters.
Femi Falana has urged the government to drop charges against all 101 protesters involved in the movement.The case has sparked calls for government accountability and protection of human rights.The withdrawal of charges follows President Tinubu’s directive to release the minors and review their detention circumstances. This decision aims to address public concerns and ensure justice for the minors involved.
Source: https://vanguardngr.com/
