Nigeria's Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, asserted that "no law in Nigeria forbids the prosecution of minors."
This statement was made during the inauguration of the Law Corridor's new office complex and the presentation of a book on modern legal systems.
The issue stems from the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from August 1-10.
During these protests, several participants, including minors, were arrested and arraigned before the Abuja Federal High Court.
The decision to prosecute minors sparked significant public outrage across Nigeria, with many questioning the legal and ethical implications.
Despite the backlash, AGF Fagbemi defended the legal proceedings, stating, "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."
He further noted that suggestions to try the minors in family court were not supported by existing legal frameworks.
However, in response to the widespread criticism, President Bola Tinubu intervened, directing the AGF to withdraw the charges against the minors.
Consequently, a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out the suit against 119 individuals allegedly involved in the protest.
Following their release, the minors were received by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House.
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