The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, has addressed the heated controversy surrounding the arraignment of young #EndBadGovernace protesters for treason.
Speaking during the commissioning of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the presentation of a book on the modern Nigerian legal system in Abuja on Thursday, the AGF said in his address that the arraignment of the younger protesters was within the confines of Nigerian law.
Fagbemi said, “Let me seize this opportunity to clarify something. There is a misconception that because these are children and minors (the arraigned #EndBadGovernance protesters), various theories have surfaced. No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.”
The trial of 119 protesters, including minors aged between 14-17 years, had been condemned by Nigerians and international organisations demanding their immediate release.
The minors had since been released and reunited with their families following the order by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The attorney general insisted the matter was serious and commended the president for ordering the release of the protesters.
He said Tinubu was compassionate, hence his order on the release of the minors despite “facts” that security agencies possess on the protest.
Fagbemi said, “The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel, but the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways. So, the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
The AGF further emphasized the need for partnerships among legal practitioners, saying it would foster expertise and capacity in the legal profession.
Fagbemi added, “When experienced practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation benefits from their experiences. In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives, promoting adaptability and innovation in the profession.
“Another benefit of partnerships is sustainability and resilience, fostering accountability and creating a support network to meet client expectations.”
