Latest Update On Minor #EndBadGovernance Protesters In Custody

Latest Update On Minor #EndBadGovernance Protesters In CustodyThe Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken steps to withdraw charges against 32 minors recently arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu at the Federal High Court in Abuja. In a statement issued late Friday, shortly after the arraignment, Fagbemi indicated his intention to take control of the case from the Inspector General of Police due to specific issues that require review.

“There are several matters my office needs to examine to make an informed decision,” he stated. While he noted that he cannot alter the court’s decision to remand the minors in detention centers or set the trial date for January, he has instructed the police to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) for immediate review.

“I have further directed the DPPF to initiate steps to request an earlier adjournment date,” Fagbemi added. A source within the Federal Ministry of Justice confirmed to Punch that the Inspector General of Police had promptly submitted the case file to the AGF’s office, with plans underway to expedite the withdrawal of charges.

The source mentioned that efforts are being made for the court to reconvene this week, ahead of the previously scheduled January 24, 2025 date. “The police have submitted the case file, and the parties are collaborating. The court will reconvene early this week,” the source said.

Additionally, Marshall Abubakar, the defense counsel for all 119 defendants, confirmed that actions were being taken to drop the charges against the minors this week, especially since the AGF has requested the transfer of the case file. “The government has been in contact; the AGF has reached out. We expect the charges to be dismissed likely by next week,” Abubakar stated.

He also noted that the minors among the 119 remanded protesters are currently in the custody of the SARS IRT, kept in a large hall, as there is no functional Borstal system for juvenile detention. “The children are being held in a big hall because there is actually no Borstal Centre available,” he added.

Another source familiar with the case indicated that the AGF’s office is considering filing an affidavit of urgency and an application before the court on Monday. “If the application is granted, the case may be heard on Tuesday, and we are hopeful it will be discontinued,” the source noted.

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