President Bola Tinubu has directed the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to ensure the immediate release of all minors facing prosecution for alleged involvement in #EndBadGovernance protests, without prejudice to the law. This directive came following mounting criticism of the minors’ arrests, which has sparked nationwide protests over economic hardship and demands for accountability.
This development comes after 19 protesters, including three minors, were arraigned in Maiduguri, Borno State, on charges related to treason and defamation. Additionally, recent demonstrations in Abuja highlighted public frustration with fuel shortages, inflation, and government policies, calling for the resignation of oil sector leaders.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris stated that the President’s order includes the investigation of law enforcement agents involved in these cases, with disciplinary action for any misconduct.
Meanwhile, human rights advocate Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the AGF to formally withdraw charges against both the minors and other protesters, criticizing the treason charges as baseless.
