The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has requested the case file of minors recently arraigned for their involvement in the EndBadGovernance protest. In a statement issued Friday night, the AGF directed the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to transfer the case file to his office by Saturday.
Prince Fagbemi also instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) to expedite processes to have the matter, currently adjourned to January next year, brought forward. He indicated that his office needed to review specific issues within the case to make an informed decision on how to proceed with the prosecution.
While emphasizing that he lacks the authority to alter the court order remanding the protesters in detention, the Justice Minister highlighted the urgency of reviewing the matter.
The AGF’s statement reads: “It has come to my attention that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the recent EndBadGovernance protest, charged with various offenses, including treason. My office needs to review particular aspects of this case to make an informed decision. I am aware the court has ordered the defendants to be held in detention centers, with a hearing adjourned to January. However, it is beyond my jurisdiction to alter the court’s order.”
He continued: “I have instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) by Saturday, November 2, 2024. Additionally, I have directed the DPPF to initiate actions to request an earlier hearing date.”
This directive comes after the recent arraignment of 72 individuals, including minors, at the Federal High Court in Abuja for participating in a national protest. Among the 10 charges against the defendants, treason featured prominently. The trial saw a distressing scene where four minors collapsed in court, leading to their exclusion from the proceedings.
The AGF’s involvement may be in response to widespread public outcry over the handling of the case, particularly the inclusion of minors among those facing severe charges.
