FG Intervenes in Arraignment of Teenage Hunger Protesters, Issues Directive to Police

2 weeks ago 12

The Federal Government has stepped into the case of the #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arraigned earlier on Friday at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The protesters, arrested during the August 1-10 demonstration, were granted N10 million bail each with two sureties in like sum by Justice Obiora Egwuatu.

However, during their arraignment, four of the protesters, including two minors, slumped and were rushed to the hospital.

This led to criticism considering the look of the children who seemed to be underfed.

Reacting, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, announced the government’s intervention in a statement on Friday night.

Fagbemi directed the transfer of the case file from the police to his office, citing the need to examine certain issues before making an informed decision. He also instructed the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation to initiate the process of bringing the adjournment date forward.

Fagbemi’s statement reads:

PRESS RELEASE

Endbadgovernance protest: AGF intervenes, seeks casefile from police

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).