The Nigerian Federal High Court has struck out treason charges against 119 individuals involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests. The decision was delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, following an application by M.D Abubakar, counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
The case, which had drawn considerable national and international attention, particularly highlighted the plight of minors who were detained under harsh conditions.
Initially rejected by Kuje Prison, these minors were held in an adult facility at the Intelligence Response Team unit in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory. Reports indicated that many of these children were malnourished, with about 20 requiring hospitalization.
Justice Egwuatu's ruling came after M.D Abubakar applied to take over and discontinue the suit, stating, "We request the court to allow the AGF to assume control of the charges and subsequently dismiss them." This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu's directive earlier in the week, which called for the release of the detained minors amid widespread condemnation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed the president's order during an emergency briefing, emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing the concerns raised by both national and international communities.
ICMnews noted that Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to oversee the transfer of custody of the minors to their respective state governors from the northern region.
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