The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has justified the treason charge that was instituted against some minors who participated in the recent EndBadGovernance protest that was held across the country.
The AGF, who maintained that no law in the country forbade the prosecution of minors, said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to terminate further proceedings on the case brought against the teenagers was purely on compassionate grounds.
Fagbemi spoke after a new office complex that was built by an Abuja-based law firm, the Law Corridor, was commissioned on Thursday.
He said: “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.
“The study of the law and the constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the federal high court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues. So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.
“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.
“But the president said despite all this ‘I have children and grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways. So the credit goes to him (the President) for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
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It will be recalled that Federal High Court in Abuja had last Tuesday struck out two separate treason charges that were preferred against 119 persons that were arrested and detained for participating in the nationwide protest that was held between August 1 and August 10.
The cases were terminated after the AGF, acting at the behest of President Tinubu, withdrew the charges that were originally brought before the court by the Nigeria Police Force.
Whereas 32 minors were cited as defendants in the first 10-count charge marked: FHC/CR/503/2024, in the second charge marked: FHC/CR/527/2024, which contained four counts, five minors were listed as defendants in the matter.
Four of the accused minors, who were between the ages of 14 and 17, collapsed in court before the charge could be read to them.
Meanwhile, the AGF enjoined legal practitioners in the country to embrace partnership in the law profession, saying it would not only enhance their capacity but also help them in risk management.
“When seasoned practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation of practitioners learns from their experiences.
“In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives in adaptability, driving the profession to knee innovations.
“Another good aspect of the partnership is sustainability and resilience to create more room for accountability and to support networks where challenges can be faced collectively to meet clients’ expectations.
“Collaboration enhances good relationships, which is a cornerstone of the law profession, as clients seek not expertise but a team that understands their needs to receive comprehensive services,” the AGF added.
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