FG Withdraws Treason Case Against Minors, Releases Them

Following the direction of President Bola Tinubu for the immediate release of all the detainees arraigned during the #EndBadGovernance protests held in several parts of the country in August, the Federal Government withdrew the treason charge it levied against the minors.

On Tuesday, FG formally assumed control of the case file through the office of Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of his intention to drop the case against the demonstrators. 

Sections 174(1), (b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, served as the foundation for the discontinuance application, which was submitted by Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, DPPF.

Yesterday, President Bola Tinubu’s direction for the immediate release of all the detainees arraigned during the #EndBadGovernance protests held in several parts of the country in August has sparked reactions, see below 

“The power of speaking with one voice can never be underestimated; the sooner the citizens realize this, the better for us as a Nation – Ben C. Odia.

“Their bare-footed Soldiers will now push to applaud them”.

Is this news? Is he not the one who put them where they were charging minor for Treason? Radarada – Grace10921396

Recall that on Friday, November 1, 2024, the police brought 72 minors before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their participation in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.

The minors were said to be arrested in Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano states. During their appearance last week, four of the minors slumped before they could be arraigned before the court 

Meanwhile, Senior officials, including all DCs, the CID, and the heads of investigation units, have been called in to discuss the welfare of the minors while they were being held by the police, according to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun.