In a significant development, the Federal Government has dropped charges against 150 EndBadGovernance protesters, initially filed by the Inspector General of Police. The charges were formally dismissed in Abuja’s Federal High Court by Justice Obiora Egwuatu on Tuesday after being withdrawn by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN.
Dismissal of Charges and Court Proceedings
During the court session, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), M.D. Abubakar, representing AGF Fagbemi, announced that the AGF was exercising his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to take over the case from the Inspector General of Police. After taking over, the AGF requested the court to discontinue the trial. With no objections from the defense lawyers, Justice Egwuatu granted the request, struck out the charges, and ordered the immediate release of the detained protesters.
Presidential Directive and Concerns Over the Arrest of Minors
The decision to withdraw the charges came on the heels of a directive from President Bola Tinubu, who called for the dismissal of charges against the protesters, many of whom are reportedly minors. The President’s instruction, issued on Monday, reflected growing concerns over the legitimacy of these arrests and the treatment of young detainees.
Unanswered Questions and Concerns
While the charges have been dropped, there are still left some unanswered questions and concerns about the detainment of peaceful protesters, especially minors. What were the basis for their detainment for over two months and, more broadly, whether those exercising their right to peaceful protest would face still face these charges if they were not minors.
This case has fueled concerns over a perceived heavy-handed approach to dissent, that could be reflecting a deeper issue within the system. Although the immediate charges have been withdrawn, the broader conversation around civil liberties and government accountability continues.
