Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has called on the Nigerian Government to drop charges against 101 #EndBadGovernance protesters.
His appeal follows President Tinubu’s directive on Monday instructing the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, to release minors who were arrested and are facing prosecution for their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests.
In a statement, Falana argued that simply withdrawing charges against the minors is insufficient and urged that charges against the remaining 101 protesters also be dismissed.
The statement read: “Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the treason charges against malnourished children be withdrawn, it is expected that the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi SAN, will formally discontinue the baseless charges by filing a nolle prosequi application at the Federal High Court.
“The Attorney-General should also withdraw charges against the remaining 101 protesters, as there is no evidence to support the accusation of treason linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests that took place across several states last August.
“In a misguided attempt to establish the serious charge of treason against the 130 defendants, including 29 minors, and thus risking significant embarrassment for the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Police Prosecutor intended to present 76 Russian flags, two fire extinguishers, two prepaid meters, arrest letters, and suspect statements in court.”
Last Friday, police brought 72 minors before the Federal High Court in Abuja for their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests, sparking widespread outrage across Nigeria.
The defendants, accused of treason and other offences, were arrested in locations including Kaduna, Abuja, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano. Some appeared emaciated, with some collapsing in court.
Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu granted bail of N10 million to the 72 minors arraigned. In response to the development, President Tinubu ordered the immediate release of all detained minors.
“Please find the proof of evidence compiled by the Police Prosecutor below:
