Kehinde Fajobi
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out treason charges filed against minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu dismissed the charges after an application for discontinuance was presented by Mohammed Abubakar, counsel for the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
Abubakar, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, cited provisions in the Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, to support the withdrawal.
He informed the court that the AGF had formally taken over the case file and opted to discontinue the proceedings against the minors.
He also requested that proceedings be held without the minors present, in line with child protection laws under the ACJA and Child Rights Act.
Defence counsel, including Femi Falana, SAN, did not oppose the discontinuance, leading Justice Egwuatu to dismiss the charges against the minors.
On Friday, Justice Egwuatu had granted bail to 114 protesters who were arraigned on charges of treason and other offences, setting bail at ₦10 million each with two sureties.
The protesters were part of two separate charges: one with 76 defendants and another with 43. However, only 114 were present for arraignment due to health issues affecting five minors.
During the initial court session, four defendants, including a 14-year-old, collapsed, prompting the judge to briefly pause the proceedings.
One defendant in the second charge group also experienced health issues.
President Bola Tinubu had directed the AGF on Monday to ensure the release of the minors charged in connection with the protest.
Following this directive, the AGF moved to withdraw the charges.