Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has assumed responsibility for the case of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, who were brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.
The group of 75 protesters, aged between 12 and 15, face charges on 10 counts, including terrorism, attempted overthrow of the government, and alleged mutiny related to their involvement in the nationwide protest.
The arraignment has sparked backlash against the Federal Government from civil society organizations and opposition leaders, who have condemned the detention and prosecution of minors.
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They are urging the government to quickly address the issue.
In a statement on Friday night, Fagbemi acknowledged his awareness of the case, adding that there are aspects his office will need to review in order to make an informed decision.
He explained that it is beyond his authority to alter the court’s order remanding the defendants and scheduling the case for January.
However, he noted that he has instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office, and directed it to be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) on Saturday.
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The statemet reads, “It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the endbad governance 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 casefile 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).”
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