The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has defended the legal process of trying minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, asserting that it is not unconstitutional as some critics have suggested.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the inauguration of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the launch of a book on the modern Nigerian legal system, Fagbemi emphasized that such actions are in line with the Nigerian Constitution, particularly when the minors are charged with criminal offenses.
The AGF’s statement comes amid controversy following the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests between August 1 and 10, where numerous protesters, including minors, were arrested.
Fagbemi, however, clarified that detaining and prosecuting minors in the Federal High Court for their involvement in these protests is within legal bounds, as long as the charges align with the law.
This development follows the arraignment of 119 protesters, including malnourished minors, by the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun.
In response to the criticism following the arraignment of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) stated, “I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a misunderstanding. Some have suggested that, because these individuals are minors, they cannot be tried, and there have been calls for them to be taken to a family court.”
Fagbemi explained that no law in the country prevents minors from being tried, and the Federal High Court has jurisdiction in cases of treason and related offenses.
He said regardless of the situation, the President decided to close the matter by ordering their release.
The AGF also acknowledged the seriousness of the offenses but emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s compassion.
“Despite the gravity of the case, the President, as both a father and grandfather, chose to pardon them and drop the charges. The President’s decision was driven by his deep compassion, considering his role as a parent and grandparent. The facts presented by the security agencies were troubling, but the President’s empathy for these young men led to his decision to release them,” he said.
On the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding local government financial autonomy, the AGF explained that the implementation would be gradual.
He said, “Full implementation takes time, but it will be accomplished. The President is pleased with the decision, and public sentiment indicates that he could not have handled it better. I would not embark on a project I cannot complete, and we are committed to seeing this through to its successful conclusion.”
The AGF further encouraged legal professionals to embrace partnerships within the legal field.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Body of Benchers, urged lawyers to prioritize trust and integrity in their partnerships. He emphasized that upholding high ethical standards is fundamental to the legal profession.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, in his address, described the new Law Corridor as “an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse, uniquely positioned to operate across a broad spectrum of traditional and modern legal disciplines.”
He said, “Our partnership is committed to the highest standards of legal excellence, with a team of seasoned experts experienced in both straightforward and complex legal matters.”
“We excel in conventional practice areas, corporate law, and emerging legal fields, all while adhering to ethical principles, meticulous due diligence, and fostering long-lasting client relationships,” Olajengbesi added.
