Breaking News: No law barring minors from treason trials– Tinubu’s Govt Insists
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has addressed public outcry regarding the recent arraignment of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests. Speaking at the opening of a law firm’s new office in Abuja, Fagbemi clarified that trying minors in a Federal High Court is constitutionally permitted when serious charges, such as treason, are involved.
Responding to criticisms about the handling of the young defendants, the AGF stated, “Nigerian law does not prohibit minors from being tried in court,” and rejected calls to transfer the case to a family court. “The Federal High Court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues,” he emphasized, underscoring the legal basis for the court's involvement.
Despite the serious nature of the charges, Fagbemi commended President Bola Tinubu for his “compassionate consideration” in ordering the release of the young protesters. Fagbemi explained that the president’s empathy, rooted in his role as a father and grandfather, led to the decision.
“The President was very compassionate… he said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them,” Fagbemi noted, attributing the move to Tinubu’s empathy and commitment to reconciliation.