The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to transfer the case file of minors detained after participating in the recent EndBadGovernance protest. His move comes amidst growing public outrage over the detention of young protesters who were reportedly charged with serious offenses, including treason.
Prince Fagbemi made this demand in a statement released on Friday night, directing the police to hand over the case file to his office by Saturday. His statement reveals concerns about the legal handling of the case, which involves not only adults but also several minors detained during the demonstrations.
“I have ordered the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office,” Fagbemi stated. “This is essential for us to make an informed decision regarding the trial of these defendants.”
The AGF’s statement comes after 72 individuals, including minors, were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for their alleged participation in the protests. The charges, which include treason, have raised alarm among human rights advocates, who argue that the punishment is too severe and could infringe on the protesters’ rights.
The AGF expressed that he could not overrule the court’s decision to detain the protesters, as the court had already ordered that the minors remain in detention centers until their case resumes in January. However, he has directed the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) to explore the possibility of bringing the adjourned court date forward.
The AGF’s move appears to be a response to the widespread backlash that erupted following the detention of minors. On Friday, four minors reportedly collapsed in court before the charges were even read, a development that shocked the public and fueled calls for the immediate release of all young detainees. Social media has since erupted with criticism of the police’s handling of the protests, with the hashtag #JusticeForEndBadGovernanceProtesters trending across platforms.
Many Nigerians have joined calls for justice, arguing that charging minors with treason sends a dangerous message about the government’s stance on public dissent. Parents of the detained minors have also voiced concerns, with one mother, who wished to remain anonymous, saying, “My child went out to call for change, not to commit any crime. I want the government to release them and ensure they are safe.”
In his statement, Prince Fagbemi clarified that while his office cannot unilaterally release the detained protesters, they will investigate the legal grounds of the case. The AGF emphasized that his priority is to ensure that justice is served, especially for the minors involved.
“There are issues my office needs to look into,” Fagbemi said. “This is to make sure we take an informed decision regarding the charges brought against the defendants.”
He further explained that while he cannot override the court’s remand order, he hopes to work with the DPPF to advance the case review process and potentially bring the court date closer than the scheduled January hearing. Legal experts see this move as an indication that the government may be seeking a more balanced approach, potentially exploring alternative forms of resolution for the detained minors.
The AGF’s intervention has sparked cautious optimism among human rights organizations and the general public, many of whom have continued to press for a resolution. Amnesty International’s Nigeria office has been vocal in condemning the arrests, describing them as “an intimidation tactic designed to silence the youth.” In a recent statement, Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to respect the fundamental rights of protesters and to release all detainees who did not engage in violent actions.
The protests that led to these arrests were part of a larger movement calling for better governance, accountability, and transparency within Nigeria. Protesters, many of whom were youths, have continued to demand action on issues such as corruption, police reform, and improvements in education and healthcare. The government’s response to the protests has drawn criticism domestically and internationally, with advocacy groups arguing that the state’s actions reflect an authoritarian response to democratic demands.
For now, the case remains in limbo as Nigerians await further updates from the AGF’s office. The AGF’s intervention signals that the government may be considering alternative approaches, especially regarding the detained minors. The Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) is expected to assess the case and potentially recommend steps to address the situation in a manner that upholds both justice and public confidence.
