THE Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has assumed responsibility for the case involving the #EndBadGovernance protesters, who were presented yesterday in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The group consists of 75 people aged between 12 and 15, facing 10 charges that include terrorism, attempted insurrection, and alleged mutiny related to their involvement in the nationwide protests.
The arraignment has sparked significant backlash against the Federal Government from civil society organizations and opposition leaders, who have condemned the detention and prosecution of minors. They have called on the government to swiftly address and resolve the situation.
In a statement released yesterday evening, the Attorney General acknowledged his awareness of the case but indicated that there are specific issues his office needs to investigate in order to make an informed decision.
He noted that he does not have the authority to alter the court’s order that mandates the defendants’ detention and the postponement of the case until January.
However, he has instructed the Nigeria Police to send the case file to his office and to hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) today.
The statement reads: “I have just learned that the police have brought those arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests before the court on various charges, including treason.
“There are certain issues my office must review regarding this case so I can make an informed decision.
“I understand that the court has ordered the defendants’ detention and postponed the case until January.
“I do not have the ability to modify the court’s order regarding the defendants’ remand in detention or the adjournment of the case to January. However, I have instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and to deliver it to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday, November 2, 2024.
“I have also directed the DPPF to take immediate action to request the court to expedite the adjournment date.”
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 67 of the 76 protesters, setting the amount at N10 million each.
Those granted bail, all of whom are under the age of 15, are required to provide one surety who must be a civil servant.
The protesters mainly minor appeared malnourished, with four being quickly assisted out of the courtroom as they could not remain standing. They looked visibly unwell and were in distress on the courtroom floor.
All 76 individuals were arrested and held during the nationwide protests from August 1 to 10, which were ignited by widespread economic hardship, prompting many Nigerians to take to the streets to voice their discontent.
