The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the case involving #EndBadGovernance protesters arraigned in the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday.
The protesters, 75 in total and aged between 12 and 15, have been charged with ten counts, including terrorism, attempting to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny for their participation in the nationwide protests.
The arraignment has sparked backlash against the Federal Government from civil society organisations and opposition leaders, who condemned the detention and prosecution of minors. They urged the government to review and resolve the matter swiftly.
In a statement on Friday night, the Attorney General acknowledged awareness of the case, stating that certain aspects require his office’s attention before he can make an informed decision.
He clarified that it is beyond his authority to alter the court’s order, which remanded the defendants in detention and adjourned the case until January. However, he noted that he had instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office and to pass it on to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) on Saturday.
The statement reads, “It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the EndBadGovernance protest in court for various offences, including treason.
“There are some issues my office will need to examine to make an informed decision.
“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants and adjourned the case to January.
“While I do not have the power to vary the court’s remand order or the adjournment to January, I have directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand it over to the DPPF by tomorrow, Saturday, 2nd November 2024.
“I have also directed the DPPF to take immediate steps to request the court to bring the adjournment date forward.”
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 67 of the 76 protesters, setting the bail at N10 million each. Those under 15 years of age who were granted bail must present a surety who is a civil servant.
The protesters, who are predominantly minors, appeared malnourished, with four of them urgently escorted out of the courtroom as they were too weak to stand.
Looking visibly unwell, several of them writhed in pain on the courtroom floor.
All seventy-six were arrested and detained during the nationwide protests from 1st to 10th August, which were prompted by severe economic hardship, driving many Nigerians to protest across the country.