By Mohammed Bello Doka
In an unprecedented wave of public discontent, Nigerians from all walks of life are voicing outrage over the prolonged detention of minors as young as 10 years old, recently arraigned on charges as severe as treason. These teenagers were apprehended over three months ago during the “End Bad Governance” protest—a movement that began as a peaceful call for change but quickly turned tense, leading to a heavy-handed response from the authorities.
With emotions running high, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has stepped into the fray, expressing concerns about the handling of the case by law enforcement. A press release from his office on November 1 indicated that Fagbemi is actively seeking the police case file to better assess the circumstances surrounding the charges and the detention of the minors. Fagbemi has directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office by Saturday, November 2, aiming to expedite a review by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF). He has also called for urgent consideration of an earlier court date to re-evaluate the current detention order.
While the AGF emphasized that he lacks the power to unilaterally overturn the court’s remand order, his intervention has provided a glimmer of hope for those demanding justice. The minors have been held in detention centers without trial, drawing harsh criticism from human rights advocates, who argue that the extended detention of such young individuals is not only excessive but inhumane. The court’s decision to adjourn the case until January has only fueled further public anger, as many see the delay as a punishment on youth who dared to protest their government.
Prince Fagbemi’s statement underscores the need for a transparent and fair judicial process, and his actions suggest he is fully aware of the sensitivities surrounding the issue. His press release reads, “There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to make an informed decision.”
As Nigerians await the next steps, many are hopeful that the AGF’s involvement will lead to an expedited judicial process and, ultimately, a resolution that honors both the rights of these young defendants and the rule of law. The intervention by Prince Fagbemi is being closely watched as a potential turning point in the case, reflecting a growing demand for accountability and fair treatment within Nigeria’s justice system.
Tags
News