In a landmark decision, the court has struck out the suit against #EndBadGovernance protesters, delivering a significant victory for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Nigeria. Discover the implications of this ruling.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the case against individuals charged in connection with the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
On Tuesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the Trial Judge, dismissed the suit after M. D Abubakar, counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, filed an application to take over and terminate it.
During the proceedings, Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), declared his intention to exercise his authority under section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and assume control over the case from the Inspector General of Police.
After Justice Egwuatu approved the request, the AGF moved to invoke the same constitutional section to halt the trial of 119 defendants.
After receiving no objections from the various lawyers representing the accused individuals, Justice Egwuatu approved the request and dismissed the charges.
Despite the absence of the accused in court, the judge ordered their immediate release from prison.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to drop charges against the accused individuals, most of whom are reportedly minors and legally exempt from being tried in such cases.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that Tinubu instructed the immediate release of the minors without affecting any ongoing legal proceedings.
Tinubu directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to promptly address the welfare needs of the minors. He also instructed them to facilitate a seamless reunion with their parents or guardians, no matter where they are located in the country.
Additionally, it is requested that a committee be established and led by the humanitarian affairs ministry to investigate all issues related to the arrest, detention, treatment, and eventual release of the minors.
The latest development followed the arraignment of the minors before a Federal High Court in Abuja last week due to their involvement in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
They faced accusations of treason, along with other charges. The arrests took place in Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. Subsequently, they were granted bail set at N10 million.
During the court session, several minors who appeared malnourished collapsed, sparking nationwide outrage among civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and others.
Immediately following that, Fagbemi stated his “office will need to investigate the matter in order for me to make an informed decision.”
He requested the police to send the case file to his office and hand it over to the DPPF.
