AS  requested by President Bola Tinubu, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed the case against 76 individuals charged in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu made this decision after the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, represented by Director of Public Prosecution Mohammed Abubakar, invoked Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to take over and discontinue the case from the Inspector General of Police.

Exercising his constitutional powers, AGF Lateef Fagbemi, through his counsel, also requested the dismissal of charges for an additional 119 individuals linked to the protests.

With no objections from defense lawyers, Justice Egwuatu approved the AGF’s request and struck out all charges, ordering the immediate release of the accused from detention. The accused, including many minors, were not present in court.

This action follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive earlier this week to halt proceedings against the accused, citing the protection of minors from unsuitable legal prosecution. The ruling marks a positive turn for civil rights advocates who have raised concerns over the treatment of protesters.

READ ALSO : IG orders probe into  mistreatment of minors from #EndBadGovernance protests

Credible News reports that on Friday, 76 suspects, mostly minors who appeared malnourished, were arraigned in connection with the protests. Six of the minors collapsed and had to be taken out of the courtroom for medical assistance.

Reacting to the incident on Saturday, the IG claimed that the fainting of some of the minors in court was staged to attract negative attention. He added that medical assistance was promptly provided, emphasising the police’s commitment to the welfare of individuals in their custody.

Credible News.ng