Amid the #EndBadGovernance movement, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) clarifies that there is no law preventing the prosecution of minors in Nigeria. The statement has sparked public debate on legal protections for minors.
Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, stated that Nigerian law does not prohibit prosecuting minors.
Fagbemi stated this during the inauguration of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the launch of a book on contemporary legal systems.
He stated that the minors participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest were appropriately brought before the Abuja Federal High Court.
remembers that the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest took place from August 1st to 10th. Several protesters were arrested and brought before courts in various regions across the country.
Many of the suspects arraigned in Abuja were minors, which elicited outrage among Nigerians.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Govt Drops Treason Charges Against EndBadGovernance Protesters
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to withdraw charges against the minors. Subsequently, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case involving 119 individuals accused of participating in the protest.
The young individuals were freed and welcomed by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House.
While addressing the criticisms surrounding the arraignment, the AGF stated, “There is no law in this country that prohibits trying a minor. I have also heard suggestions to take them to a family court.”
Studying the law and the Constitution leads to only one conclusion: the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over matters concerning treason and related issues.
“No matter the circumstances, the President has concluded this issue by deciding to release these young men.”
