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Nothing Wrong With Trying Minors For Treason – NGF

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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), stated that prosecuting minors who commit crimes is not unconstitutional, despite claims to the contrary.

The AGF also stated that, according to the Nigerian Constitution, it is appropriate to try to detain #EndBadGovernance protesters (who are minors) in a Federal High Court, given the nature of the charges against them.

Fagbemi stated this late Thursday night in Abuja, during the commissioning of Law Corridor’s new office complex and book presentation on the Modern Nigerian Legal System.

The Law Corridor has Pelumi Olajengbesi as its Managing Partner, Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu as its Lead Partner, and Ganiyu Ajibola Bello as its Deputy Managing Partner.

Recall that following the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance which took place between August 1 and 10, security agencies arrested some protesters.

Following the arrest, a total of 119 protesters were scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, November 1, by the Inspector General of Police, in two batches.

The first batch consisted of 76 protesters while the second batch had 43. During the arraignment of the first batch, four defendants collapsed.

This sparked public outrage, largely because minors were among the defendants, and they appeared malnourished.

Addressing the condemnation that followed their arraignment, the AGF 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 study of the law and the constitution leaves you to no other conclusion than that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and allied matters so whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.”

The AGF also further stated that their offences were serious which prompted President Bola Tinubu, to pardon them and drop the charges.

“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 will marvel but the president said despite all these I have children, grandchildren, if not great-grandchildren.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged lawyers to be good partners and prioritise trust.

On his part, Olajengbesi said, “It is important that the business of partnership in law practice is encouraged and when that is achieved it will allow law firms to consolidate on knowledge of lawyers and to be able to strengthen their practice.”


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