The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed charges against individuals involved in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
On Tuesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the case after the Attorney General of the Federation’s counsel, M.D. Abubakar, filed a motion to take over and discontinue the case.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi, represented by Director of Public Prosecution Mohammed Abubakar, invoked his authority under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to assume control of the case from the Inspector General of Police.
Upon Justice Egwuatu’s approval, the Attorney General further requested to discontinue the trial of the 119 defendants using the same constitutional provision.
As there were no objections from defense attorneys, Justice Egwuatu granted the request, dismissing all charges.
Although the accused were not present in court, the judge ordered their immediate release from detention.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the Attorney General to terminate proceedings, noting that many of the defendants are minors and legally exempt from such prosecution.
More to follow…