No law prohibits prosecution of minors in Nigeria, says Fagbemi
By Jeffrey Agbo
Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, stated that no Nigerian law prohibits the prosecution of minors.
“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 said on Friday, addressing the controversy surrounding the arraignment of minors on treason charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Fagbemi made these remarks at the inauguration of the Law Corridor’s new office complex and during the presentation of a book on the modern legal system.
Earlier this week, President Bola Tinubu directed Fagbemi to drop the charges against the minors. Following their release, Vice President Kashim Shettima hosted the young individuals at the State House.
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“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,” Fagbemi added.
“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.”
He added, “But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.
“So the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”