Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Federal Government to dismiss charges against 101 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement.
This appeal comes after President Bola Tinubu directed Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to release detained minors connected to the protests.
Falana’s statement highlights that dropping charges against the minors alone is insufficient.
He insisted that charges against the remaining 101 protesters should also be discontinued, as there is no substantial evidence to support allegations of treason.
“In view of President Tinubu’s directive to withdraw charges against the children, I hope the Attorney-General will formally discontinue these baseless charges through a nolle prosequi application at the Federal High Court,” Falana remarked.
He pointed out that the evidence presented by the prosecution, which includes items like Russian flags and prepaid meters, would only bring ridicule to the Federal Government if pursued in court.
The detention of the minors last Friday drew national outrage, with 72 children presented in an Abuja Federal High Court where they appeared gaunt and underfed.
The judge, Obiora Egwuatu, granted them N10 million bail each before President Tinubu ordered their immediate release.
