Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, defended the treason charges brought against minors involved in the recent EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria, clarifying that Nigerian law does not prevent minors from facing prosecution. He noted, however, that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to halt proceedings against these minors was motivated by compassion.
Speaking at the opening of a new office complex by the Law Corridor, an Abuja-based law firm, Fagbemi said, “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried,” explaining that the Federal High Court has the jurisdiction to handle cases involving treason. Despite the security agency’s findings in the case, the president’s compassion as a father and grandfather led to his decision to end the proceedings. “The president deserves credit for this compassionate action,” Fagbemi stated.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had recently dismissed two separate treason cases against 119 individuals detained for participating in the nationwide protests held from August 1 to August 10. Among the defendants were 32 minors listed in a 10-count charge (FHC/CR/503/2024) and another five minors in a four-count charge (FHC/CR/527/2024). Following the president’s directive, the charges, initially filed by the Nigeria Police Force, were withdrawn. In a concerning moment, four of the minors, aged 14 to 17, reportedly fainted in court before the charges were read.
On a related note, Fagbemi called on legal practitioners in Nigeria to consider forming partnerships to enhance their professional capacities and better manage risks. He emphasized that collaboration between seasoned lawyers and younger practitioners would foster shared experiences, fresh perspectives, and innovation in the legal field. “Partnership builds resilience and sustainability,” he said, stressing that clients benefit from teams that can collectively address their needs.
The event, hosted by Law Corridor with Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi as the managing partner, brought together distinguished figures, including the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.