A Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed charges against 119 individuals arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, including many minors. The ruling, supported by the Attorney General, emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of these young protesters amid growing national concern over their treatment in detention.
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ruled to dismiss charges against 119 individuals connected to the #EndBadGovernance protests, a decision that has garnered significant attention. The presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, made this ruling following a request from the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who sought to discontinue the case.
The AGF, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mohammed Abubakar, invoked Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which allows the Attorney General to take over and terminate legal proceedings. The judge granted the AGF’s application without objections from lawyers representing the accused. As a result, Justice Egwuatu ordered the immediate release of the protesters, many of whom are minors.
President Bola Tinubu had previously instructed the AGF to end the charges against these individuals, emphasizing the importance of their welfare. He directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to ensure the minors receive the necessary support and to facilitate their reunification with families.
The minors, who faced serious accusations, including treason, were arrested during protests in various states across Nigeria. Their conditions in custody had sparked outrage among civil society organizations, particularly after reports of malnourishment emerged during their court appearances. T
