The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has assumed control over the legal proceedings of the #EndBadGovernance protesters. The AGF has instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the protesters’ case file to his office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) for further review.
Seventy-five protesters, aged between 12 and 15, are facing charges of terrorism, attempted government overthrow, and mutiny following their participation in protests across the nation in August. This development sparked criticism from civil society organizations and opposition leaders, who have condemned the detention and prosecution of minors.
In a statement, the AGF said, “There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to make an informed decision.” He noted that although the court’s order to remand the defendants until January is beyond his immediate jurisdiction, his office will work toward bringing the adjournment date forward.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 67 of the protesters, setting bail at N10 million each, with a requirement for a civil servant surety. However, reports from the courtroom indicate that several minors appeared malnourished and unwell, with some requiring assistance as they struggled to stand.
This case continues to draw public attention as Nigerians express concerns over the handling of young protestors amid calls for economic and social reform.
