The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has addressed recent concerns over the prosecution of minors involved in a protest, clarifying that Nigerian law does not prohibit prosecuting minors when it comes to serious charges like treason. This statement follows the arraignment of several protesters, including minors, who were charged with treason—a move that drew criticism from various quarters questioning the legality and appropriateness of prosecuting children.
Speaking to clarify the government’s stance, Fagbemi emphasized that misconceptions had surfaced about whether minors could be tried in such serious cases. “There is a misconception that because these (some of those arraigned) are children and minors, various theories have surfaced,” he stated. “No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried. And, I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.”
Fagbemi argued that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over treason and related matters, and thus, the charges were legally brought before the court. According to him, suggestions to redirect the minors to family court were baseless given the nature of the charges.
However, the minister acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu had chosen to extend compassion in this case. Despite the serious nature of the allegations and the security reports at hand, Tinubu decided to release the minors, citing his role as a father and grandfather. “The President was very compassionate,” Fagbemi noted. “If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel. But the President said, despite all these, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them.”
Praising Tinubu’s decision, Fagbemi highlighted the president's empathetic approach. “The credit goes to him for showing compassion and consideration.
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