Tinubu orders AGF to review charges against detained minors

In response to mounting national and international criticism, President Bola Tinubu has directed Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to reassess the treasonable felony charges brought against a group of underage and malnourished children.

The charges, linked to their alleged participation in the #EndBadGovernance protests, have sparked intense controversy following a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja.

Sources revealed that Tinubu’s decision, issued on Friday, came after scrutiny over the government’s treatment of the young protesters, accused of participating in the August protests against poor governance in Nigeria.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court had previously granted stringent bail terms for over 70 individuals involved in the protests, including the minors, with each defendant required to meet a N10 million bail, among other conditions.

During the court proceedings, five minors among the defendants collapsed and required urgent medical attention.

Despite their fragile condition, they were later returned to Kuje Prison after struggling to meet the stringent bail requirements.

Human rights advocate Deji Adeyanju criticized the severe bail terms, arguing that they force the minors, who have been detained since August, back into prison.

Advocacy groups across the nation have issued statements condemning what they describe as “cruel and punitive” government actions, calling for the unconditional release of all detained protesters particularly the minors.

Among those voicing opposition are Comrade Gerald O Katchy of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Omole Ibukun of the Creative Change Centre, and other civil rights leaders.

Their demands include the immediate suspension of excessive bail terms, a thorough investigation into alleged abuse of detained minors, and a commitment to safeguard protest rights in Nigeria.

These groups contend that the government’s response to the #EndBadGovernance movement highlights a troubling disregard for justice and the welfare of Nigerian citizens.