The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that no Nigerian law prohibits the prosecution of minors. Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Fagbemi addressed recent concerns following a court order to release around 114 minors and adults who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests. He emphasized that while minors can legally be tried, the president’s recent directive allows for compassion.
The nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from August 1 to August 10, led to arrests and arraignments nationwide. The trial of the detained minors sparked widespread criticism, with figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Amnesty International, and Peter Obi condemning the move.
Responding to the backlash, President Bola Tinubu ordered the AGF to withdraw charges against the minors and secure their release. Fagbemi praised the president’s decision, noting it reflects his compassion as a father and grandfather, closing a sensitive chapter with empathy for the young detainees.
