The Attorney General of the Federation has directed that the case file concerning the #EndBadGovernance protesters be forwarded to his office, indicating a potential escalation in the legal proceedings
Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has assumed responsibility for the case involving #EndBadGovernance protesters presented at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
Seventy-five protesters, aged between 12 and 15, were charged with ten counts of terrorism, attempting to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny due to their involvement in the nationwide protest.
The arraignment has sparked backlash against the Federal Government, with civil society organizations and opposition leaders criticizing the detention and prosecution of minors. They urged the government to promptly address and resolve the issue.
In a statement on Friday night, the Attorney General of the Federation acknowledged his awareness of the case but mentioned that there are certain issues his office needs to examine in order to make an informed decision.
He stated that he does not have the authority to change the court’s order remanding the defendants in detention centers and postponing the case until January. However, he mentioned that he has instructed the Nigeria Police to send the case file to his office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) on Saturday.
The statement indicates, “I have just been informed that the police have brought those arrested in relation to the End Bad Governance violent protest to court on various charges, including treason.”
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My office will need to investigate a few issues related to this matter so that I can make an informed decision.
I am aware that the court has placed the defendants in detention centers and postponed the case until January.
I do not have the authority to change the court’s decision to place the defendants in detention centers and postpone their case until January. However, I have instructed the Nigeria Police to send the case file to my office and transfer it to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) by tomorrow, Saturday, November 2nd, 2024.
I have also instructed the DPPF to promptly initiate procedures for requesting that the court move the adjournment date to an earlier time.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 67 out of the 76 protesters who were arraigned, setting it at N10 million each.
Individuals under 15 years old who are granted bail are required to present one surety, and this person must be a civil servant.
The protesters, most of whom are minors, appeared malnourished. Four of them were quickly rushed out of the courtroom as they struggled to stand on their feet.
Appearing extremely ill, they writhed in pain on the courtroom floor.
All seventy-six individuals were arrested and detained during the nationwide protests from August 1 to 10. These demonstrations, spurred by widespread economic hardship, prompted many Nigerians to take to the streets and voice their grievances.
