National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has defended the treason charges brought against minors who participated in the recent nationwide EndBadGovernance protests.
Fagbemi, speaking after the commissioning of a new office complex by Abuja-based law firm, the Law Corridor, on Thursday, maintained that no law in Nigeria prohibits the trial of minors.
He stated that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to halt the legal proceedings against the teenagers was made out of compassion.
The AGF explained, “There is no law in this country that says a minor cannot be tried. I have heard suggestions that such cases should be handled in family courts, but the law and the Constitution are clear. The Federal High Court has jurisdiction in matters involving treason and related offenses.”
Despite this, Fagbemi acknowledged the president’s merciful stance, saying, “Whatever the legal technicalities, the president closed this chapter with compassion. He is both a father and a grandfather. When you see the evidence in the hands of security agencies, you might be shocked. But despite all that, the president said, ‘I have children and grandchildren,’ and that motivated his decision to release them. The credit for that goes to him for showing compassion.”
This follows the Federal High Court’s dismissal of treason charges last Tuesday against 119 individuals arrested for participating in the EndBadGovernance protests between August 1 and 10.
The charges were dropped after the AGF, acting on the instructions of President Tinubu, withdrew the case originally filed by the Nigeria Police Force.
The dismissed charges included two cases in which minors were named as defendants.
Thirty-two minors appeared in the first charge (FHC/CR/503/2024), while five minors were listed in the second charge (FHC/CR/527/2024).
Disturbingly, four of the minors, aged between 14 and 17, collapsed in court before the charges could even be read.
On a different note, the AGF urged legal professionals in the country to collaborate, stating that such partnerships would help build resilience, enhance their capacity, and improve risk management in their practice.
“When experienced practitioners partner with younger lawyers, it benefits the next generation of lawyers who can learn from their experiences. At the same time, the younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives, driving innovation in the profession,” Fagbemi added.
He emphasized that such collaborations also foster accountability and strengthen networks that support lawyers in facing challenges together.
“Collaboration enhances good relationships, which are essential in the legal profession, as clients seek a team that understands their needs and provides comprehensive services,” he concluded.
Dignitaries at the event included Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.
