JUST IN; No law forbids prosecution of minors in Nigeria – Federal Govt – Crime Channels

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has justified the treason charge that was instituted against some minors who participated in the recent EndBadGovernance protest that was held across the country.

The AGF, who maintained that no law in the country forbade the prosecution of minors, said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to terminate further proceedings on the case brought against the teenagers was purely on compassionate grounds.

Fagbemi, SAN, spoke after a new office complex that was built by an Abuja-based law firm, the Law Corridor, was commissioned on Thursday.

According to him, “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.

“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.

“So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.

“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.

“But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children and grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.

“So the credit goes to him (the President) for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps,” the AGF added.