In a significant development, the Nigerian government has dropped treason charges against protesters involved in the EndBadGovernance movement, signaling a potential shift in the approach to civil dissent. Learn more about the implications of this decision.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has thrown out the treason charges filed by the Inspector General of Police against the #EndBadGovernance# movement.
On Tuesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu dismissed the charges following their withdrawal by Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, who is the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
During the proceedings, Fagbemi, SAN—represented by M.D. Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF)—announced his decision to exercise his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to assume control over the case from the Inspector General of Police.
Once the court approved the request, the Attorney General of the Federation used that same section of the Constitution to halt the trial of all 150 defendants.
Since there were no objections from the various lawyers representing the defendants, Justice Egwuatu approved the request and dismissed the charges.
Even though the accused individuals were not present in court, the judge ordered their immediate release from prison remand.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu instructed the Attorney General of the Federation to dismiss the charges against the accused individuals, as many are reportedly minors and legally protected from such trials.
More information will be provided soon.
