By Uzair Adam
On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed treason charges brought against several minors involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protest, following the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw the case.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu approved the dismissal after Mohammed Abubakar, representing the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), moved an application for discontinuation.
Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as the legal basis for withdrawal.
The DPPF also requested that proceedings exclude the minors from the courtroom, in compliance with Section 266(b) of the ACJA and the Child Rights Act.
Defense lawyers, including Femi Fanala (SAN), did not oppose the application, leading Justice Egwuatu to officially drop the charges.
This decision comes after 114 protesters were granted bail of N10 million each with two sureties by Justice Egwuatu last Friday, following their arraignment on charges of treason and related offenses.
Health concerns prevented five minors from attending the arraignment, while four defendants reportedly collapsed in court, prompting a brief adjournment.
Further proceedings for both groups of defendants are scheduled for January 24, 2025.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the AGF to ensure the release of the minors involved in the protest.