In response to widespread public concern over the treatment of young protesters involved in the EndBadGovernance demonstrations, Nigeria’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has stepped in, requesting the immediate transfer of the case file for the minors who were recently arraigned in court.
The call came on Friday evening following disturbing reports that four teenagers, among the 72 defendants, collapsed in the courtroom due to apparent malnourishment. This incident has stirred up significant public outcry, putting pressure on authorities to address the welfare of young detainees and the legal handling of the case.
In a formal statement, the Attorney-General ordered the Nigeria Police Force to deliver the case file to his office by Saturday, November 2, 2024. The Justice Minister instructed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) to promptly review the details of the case and explore options to expedite court proceedings. The matter, which was initially scheduled to resume in January, may now be brought forward for reconsideration if the AGF’s request is approved.
The statement reads: “It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the endbadgovernance violent protest in court for various offences including treason.
“There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me take an informed decision.
“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January.
“It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January.
“I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case-file to my office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd November, 2024.
“I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date).”
