The Federal Government has officially withdrawn treason charges against minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, assumed control of the case on Tuesday and submitted an application to discontinue it, citing sections 174(1), (b), and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, who presented the discontinuance application, also requested the courtroom be cleared of minors during proceedings, referencing Section 266(b) of the ACJA, 2015, and the Child’s Rights Act. The defense, led by human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, supported the application, leading Justice Obiora Egwuatu to strike out the charges.
The decision follows a public outcry after the minors, aged 14 to 17, collapsed during arraignment due to poor health and alleged malnourishment. After this incident, the AGF ordered a review, and within 24 hours, President Bola Tinubu mandated the charges' immediate withdrawal and an investigation into the minors’ arrest and detention.
This case highlights the administration’s response to human rights concerns and underscores its commitment to upholding justice for vulnerable groups.
