FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITHDRAWS TREASON CHARGES AGAINST MINORS INVOLVED IN ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST
NEWS - Posted on: 5th Nov. 2024 at 7:43PM
By Gbemisola Onigbanjo
The Federal Government has officially withdrawn treason charges against several minors who were recently arrested for participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. The decision, conveyed through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, was announced at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
On Tuesday, the AGF formally took over the case file and notified the court of the government’s decision to discontinue the case against the young protesters. The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, moved the application to discontinue, citing Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
In compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA, 2015, and Section 1 of the Child’s Rights Act, the DPPF also requested that the minors be exempt from appearing in court. The defense, represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and other attorneys, did not oppose the applications. Following this, Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the charge.
This decision follows a public outcry after the court attempted to arraign the minors—aged 14 to 17—who appeared weak and malnourished. The teenagers collapsed upon entering the courtroom last Friday, prompting the police to remove them from the charge sheet. The remaining defendants, however, faced stringent bail conditions.
In response to the public backlash, President Bola Tinubu ordered an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrest and detention. This move, along with the withdrawal of charges, aims to address concerns about the treatment of young protesters and ensure justice and transparency in handling such cases.
By Gbemisola OnigbanjoThe Federal Government has officially withdrawn treason charges against several minors who were recently arrested for participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest. The decision, conveyed through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, was announced at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
On Tuesday, the AGF formally took over the case file and notified the court of the government’s decision to discontinue the case against the young protesters. The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, moved the application to discontinue, citing Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
In compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA, 2015, and Section 1 of the Child’s Rights Act, the DPPF also requested that the minors be exempt from appearing in court. The defense, represented by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and other attorneys, did not oppose the applications. Following this, Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the charge.
This decision follows a public outcry after the court attempted to arraign the minors—aged 14 to 17—who appeared weak and malnourished. The teenagers collapsed upon entering the courtroom last Friday, prompting the police to remove them from the charge sheet. The remaining defendants, however, faced stringent bail conditions.
In response to the public backlash, President Bola Tinubu ordered an in-depth investigation into the circumstances surrounding the minors’ arrest and detention. This move, along with the withdrawal of charges, aims to address concerns about the treatment of young protesters and ensure justice and transparency in handling such cases.
Posted by: Emdee David
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