JUST IN: Court Dismisses Treason Charges Against 119 #EndBadGovernance Protesters

The Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed treason charges against 119 Nigerians arrested for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest. The court, presided over by Judge Obiora Egwuatu, struck out the case after M.D. Abubakar, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), applied to take over and discontinue the suit.

Abubakar formally requested that the AGF assume control of the prosecution, a move that ultimately led to the dismissal of the charges. The detainees, who have been held since August, include minors whose detention has stirred significant public outcry over their treatment and conditions while in custody.

The case of the minors, in particular, has sparked national and international concern. SaharaReporters previously highlighted the plight of these youths, some of whom were denied admission to Kuje Prison and instead held in a police facility designed for adults. Reports indicated that a group of 24 minors was granted bail under stringent conditions by Justice Egwuatu, yet roughly 20 of these individuals had to be hospitalized due to severe malnourishment.

The situation escalated to the presidential level, with President Bola Tinubu ordering the immediate release of the detained minors on Monday, following mounting pressure. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, relayed the President’s directive to the press in an emergency briefing at the State House in Abuja.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is now expected to oversee a formal handover ceremony, during which the custody of the malnourished minors will be transferred back to the state governors from their respective states in northern Nigeria.

In a related statement, Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi responded to the allegations of malnourishment, confirming that the security forces had conducted an internal investigation into the minors’ condition while in custody. The public awaits further clarifications and updates on the next steps for those previously detained.