Attorney General Moves to Drop Treason Charges Against Minors Arrested in #EndBadGovernance Protests

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), is taking steps to dismiss treason charges filed against 32 minors, among 119 detained #EndBadGovernance protesters, who were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Late Friday, Fagbemi announced his intent to assume control of the case from the Inspector General of Police, indicating the need for a comprehensive review. “There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to make an informed decision,” he stated.

While unable to alter the court’s initial order for remanding the defendants until January 2025, Fagbemi has directed the Nigeria Police to submit the case files to his office, entrusting them to the Director of Public Prosecutions. “I have further directed the DPPF to immediately initiate steps to request an earlier adjournment date,” he added.

A Justice Ministry source confirmed that the police complied with the transfer of case files, with efforts underway to expedite the dismissal of charges against the minors. Reports indicate the court may reconvene as early as this week, rather than the previously scheduled January 24, 2025 date.

Marshall Abubakar, defense counsel for all defendants, also confirmed that the AGF’s office had shown strong interest in dropping charges against the minors. “The government has been reaching out,” he said. “We are optimistic that by next week, the charges will be thrown out.”

Currently, the detained minors are held in a large hall at the IRT SARS unit, due to the lack of Borstal facilities in the area. Meanwhile, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju raised concerns over two children reportedly missing since their initial arrest. He called on the AGF to ensure the case’s discontinuation and prioritize the children’s welfare. “Two children were not even brought to court as scheduled. Their names were on the warrant, but they remain unaccounted for,” Adeyanju reported.

Other protesters were also not present during the arraignment, having been withdrawn due to illness, with some being returned to the IRT unit despite being discharged. Adeyanju reported, “The police refused to release them despite the court order.”

Civil society groups have condemned recent comments by the Inspector General, who suggested the minors’ fainting episodes during arraignment were “staged.” Ahmad Ashir, National Secretary of the Northern Comrades Movement, called the remarks “deeply insensitive,” noting that video evidence clearly showed the minors collapsing.

“We must prioritize their health and well-being, ensuring they receive necessary medical and psychological support,” Ashir urged. Hassan Soweto, a spokesperson for the #EndBadGovernance organizers, echoed these sentiments, describing the conditions faced by the children as “profoundly insensitive and an outright insult,” as they had reportedly endured starvation and harsh treatment during their three-month detention.

Public outcry continues as the legal community and human rights advocates call for the immediate release and rehabilitation of all minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests.