The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that individuals over the age of seven can be legally charged and arraigned in court, even if they are minors.
This statement, made on Friday by police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, comes amid rising criticism following the recent arraignment of young protesters who participated in the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Adejobi explained that Nigerian law allows minors to face legal charges as long as they are above the age of seven, provided that the prosecution follows certain prescribed procedures meant to protect minors’ rights.
In a live interview with Channels TV, Adejobi clarified that “those exempt from criminal liability under the law are those below seven. Once you are above seven, you can be charged to court.”
He said, “Those exempt from criminal liability under the law are those below seven. Once you are above seven, you can be charged to court. The only consideration is the specific procedures required. None of them is younger than seven. The youngest is around 13,” he told Channels TV on Friday.
“The fact that someone is 13 does not mean they cannot be charged to court. Even under the Children and Young Persons Act, individuals can still be charged. We have charged them on behalf of the Federal Government.
“These are individuals who leveraged the #EndBadGovernance protests, hijacked it, became violent, and displayed flags from Russia and other countries, which is, of course, an offence. They are criminally liable, and we have not charged anyone underage.”
