The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has intervened in the case of #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arraigned in court for various offenses, including treason.
Fagbemi directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office, which will be handed over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) today, November 2, 2024.
The protesters, arrested during the August 1-10 demonstration, were granted N10 million bail each with two sureties by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
However, the case was adjourned to January, sparking outrage among Nigerians, particularly due to the involvement of minors.
Human rights activists, civil society groups, and politicians have criticized the Tinubu administration over the issue.
Fagbemi has initiated the process to bring the adjournment date forward, citing the need for his office to examine the matter and make an informed decision.
While acknowledging that he cannot vary the court’s order, Fagbemi’s intervention signals a potential shift in the handling of the case.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place nationwide, aimed to address various governance issues.
The Federal Government’s response has been closely watched, with many calling for the release of the protesters and a review of the charges against them.
The statement read, “It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the endbad governance violent protest in court for various offences including treason. There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me take an informed decision.
“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January. It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January.
“I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the casefile to my office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd November, 2024.
“I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date).”
