The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has moved to discontinue charges against 32 minors recently brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja following a protest.
This action, announced just hours after their court appearance, aims to quickly resolve the case amidst public concern over the minors’ detention.
Fagbemi’s office issued a statement late Friday indicating his intent to assume control of the case from the Inspector General of Police, emphasising the need for a thorough review.
“There are aspects of this case my office must examine closely to make a well-informed decision,” he remarked.
The AGF also directed the transfer of all case files to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) and requested a revised court date sooner than the previous January 2025 adjournment.
Officials from the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the police have already submitted the necessary documentation, and efforts are underway to ensure an earlier court hearing.
Sources suggest the matter could resume in court this week, with Fagbemi’s office expected to press for charges against the minors to be dropped entirely.
Marshall Abubakar, legal counsel for the 119 accused, including the minors, expressed optimism that charges would be dismissed soon, given the AGF’s swift intervention.
Abubakar also highlighted concerns over the children’s treatment, as they are reportedly being held in a SARS facility without adequate juvenile care options.
Activist Deji Adeyanju raised alarms over two minors believed to be missing since their initial detention.
Adeyanju, alongside other human rights advocates, urged Fagbemi to expedite the case’s dismissal, stressing the emotional toll on the families involved.
Public outcry has also intensified, with the Northern Comrades Movement of Nigeria and organisers of the #EndBadGovernance protest condemning statements from the IG, who claimed the minors’ collapse in court was staged.
Video evidence, they argued, clearly showed children fainting, pointing to physical and psychological distress from their prolonged detention.
The groups further called for immediate medical and emotional support for the children, as well as an apology from the authorities.
