The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has intervened in the case involving individuals arrested during the nationwide hunger protests that took place from August 1 to 10. On Friday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 114 individuals, each set at N10 million, after they were accused of conspiring to commit treason and other felonies linked to their protest actions.
The charges against the protesters include allegations of damaging government property, particularly in Kano and Kaduna, as well as inciting a change of government. Among those arrested were minors aged 14 to 17, many of whom appeared to be “malnourished” during their arraignment.
In response to widespread calls from civil rights groups and individuals urging the Federal Government to drop the charges and release the detainees, the AGF stated that he would need to review the case before making any decisions. While acknowledging the court’s remand order, Fagbemi indicated that he would have the case file sent to his office for further examination.
“There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me to take an informed decision,” he said. “I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January. It is not within my power to vary the order of the court; however, I have directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to my office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) by tomorrow, Saturday, November 2, 2024.”
Fagbemi has also instructed the DPPF to initiate steps to seek an earlier adjournment date for the case.
