In a notable legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out charges against the #EndBadGovernance protesters, marking a significant turn in the case. Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu dismissed the charges after Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi applied for their withdrawal, invoking section 174 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which permits the Attorney General to take over cases from the Inspector General of Police.
Represented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Fagbemi cited the Attorney General’s decision to discontinue the trial, particularly as many of the accused are minors. Although the protesters were not present in court, Judge Egwuatu ordered their immediate release from detention.
The move follows a directive from President Bola Tinubu, issued on Monday, to drop the charges after widespread public criticism of the protesters’ arraignment on alleged treason charges. Among those present in the courtroom was the new Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Nentawe Yilwatda, further underscoring the government’s commitment to address public concerns.
This decision signals a significant shift in response to civic protests and highlights the administration’s focus on addressing humanitarian and social welfare issues.
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