Widespread outrage over arraigned minors forces AGF to take over case from police

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file of the 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters, who were recently arraigned on charges of treason.

Fagbemi said in a statement released on Friday, November 1, that the case will now be handled by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) under his office, beginning Saturday, November 2, 2024.

The #EndBadGovernance protesters, minors, were granted bail set at N10m each, and their case was initially adjourned until January 2025.

Fagbemi has instructed the DPPF to petition the court to move the hearing date to an earlier time.

He noted that assuming control of the case is essential to help him make an informed decision on the matter.

“It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the Endbadgovernance violent protest in court for various offences, including treason.

“There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to take an informed decision.

“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January.

“It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January.

“I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand over the same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday, 2nd November, 2024.

“I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date),” he stated.

It was learned that one of the 76 minors collapsed in court on Friday, November 1.

Subsequently, the court granted each of the suspects bail set at N10m.

The incident sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria.

In response, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria called on both the Tinubu government and the court to release all 76 minors who were arraigned.