The Federal Government,has finally dropped treason charges four minors involved and participated in the recent #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.
However,this move was initiated by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who took over the case file on Tuesday and informed the Federal High Court in Abuja of the government’s decision to discontinue prosecution.
Accordingly, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, formally filed the discontinuance application, invoking sections 174(1), (b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
Also, additionally, the DPPF requested that proceedings be held without the minors present, in accordance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA 2015 and Section 1 of the Childs’ Rights Act.
However,the human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, and other defense attorneys did not oppose the AGF’s applications.
Consequently, Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the charge, bringing an end to the case against the minors.
It will be recalled that the case drew significant public attention as reported by Grassroots Parrot last Friday when four teenagers, aged 14 to 17, were brought before the court appearing weak and malnourished.
They reportedly collapsed before arraignment, prompting police to remove their names from the charge sheet. The other 72 defendants were later arraigned and granted stringent bail conditions.
Following widespread public outcry over the treatment of the minors, the AGF directed the police to transfer the case file for review.
In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of the charges and instructed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the minors.
More updates on this developing story will follow.
More updates on this developing story will follow.