Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, stated on Thursday that Nigerian law does not prohibit the prosecution of minors, countering claims that minors involved in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests should not have faced charges.
Fagbemi made this clarification while addressing journalists in Abuja about the court-ordered release of approximately 114 protesters, both minors and adults, who were previously arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force.
“There is no law in this country which says that a minor cannot be tried,” Fagbemi emphasised, confirming the legality of their arraignment in the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The nationwide protests, which occurred from August 1-10, led to multiple arrests, sparking public outcry.
Critics, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Amnesty International, and Peter Obi, denounced the prosecution of minors.
In response to widespread condemnation, President Bola Tinubu directed Fagbemi to withdraw charges against the minors.
Fagbemi praised the President’s compassionate approach, describing Tinubu’s decision as a paternal gesture of understanding.
“The President, despite compelling evidence from security agencies, acted out of compassion,” Fagbemi noted, adding that Tinubu’s decision reflects his “compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
