Olayiwola Matthew
The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has stated that no law in Nigeria prohibits the prosecution of minors.
Fagbemi made this statement in Abuja on Thursday while briefing journalists regarding a recent court order to release around 114 #EndBadGovernance protesters (including minors and adults) whom the Nigeria Police Force had previously arraigned.
“Allow me to clarify something here. There seems to be an impression that, because they are children and minors (the arraigned #EndBadGovernance protesters), various theories have emerged. However, there is no law in this country stating that a minor cannot be tried,” he said.
According to the AGF, the minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protest were appropriately arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest took place from 1–10 August, during which some protesters were arrested and arraigned in various parts of the country.
The trial of the minors attracted widespread criticism, including from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Amnesty International, and Peter Obi, among others, who described the situation as shameful.
Concerned by the backlash, President Bola Tinubu directed the AGF on Monday to withdraw the charges against the minors.
The minister praised Tinubu for instructing the Ministry of Justice to facilitate the immediate release of the minors.
He described the President’s decision as one made out of compassion, despite the evidence held by security agencies.
“An examination of the law and the constitution leaves no other conclusion than that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over matters relating to treason and similar issues. Nevertheless, the President has closed this chapter by deciding to release these young individuals.
“The President showed great compassion; he is both a father and a grandfather. Considering the facts in the possession of the security agencies, it’s remarkable. Yet, the President said, despite everything, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ which spurred his compassionate decision to release them and also to support them in various ways.
“So the credit goes to him for showing such compassionate consideration in releasing these young individuals,” the minister added.