AGF Defends Arraignment Of Minors In #EndBadGovernance Protests

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that Nigerian law does not criminalise the prosecution of minors. His remarks came during the inauguration of the Law Corridor’s new office complex and the launch of a book on the modern legal system.

Fagbemi defended the arraignment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest, asserting that their appearance before the federal high court in Abuja was lawful.

The #EndBadGovernance protests, which ran nationwide from August 1 to 10, led to several arrests and arraignments across the country. Among those charged in Abuja were minors, sparking widespread public backlash.

Following this, on Monday, the president ordered Fagbemi to drop charges against the minors. By Tuesday, a federal high court in Abuja dismissed the case against 119 individuals allegedly involved in the protests.

READ ALSO: FG withdraws treason charge against minors

After their release, the minors were welcomed at the State House by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Addressing criticisms that trailed the arraignment, the AGF said: “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.

“The study of the law and the constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the federal high court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues.

“So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.

“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.

“But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.

“So the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”