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By Samaila Emmanuel Bzugu
Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, plans to seek compensation for minors detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered their release, citing concerns over their treatment. The minors were among 76 defendants charged with treasonable felony, sparking widespread outrage.
The #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1, 2024, and lasted for 10 days, with demonstrators demanding an end to economic hardship and bad governance. The protests turned violent after Nigerian security agencies attempted to quell them, resulting in casualties and arrests.
Falana, counsel to the suspected protesters, awaits the withdrawal of charges before proceeding with the compensation request. The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has commenced processes to take over and possibly discontinue proceedings on all the minors.
Falana, counsel to the suspected protesters, awaits the withdrawal of charges before proceeding with the compensation request
The protests were marked by mass mobilization and street protests across Nigeria, with protesters demanding the reversal of economic reforms implemented by the Bola Tinubu administration. The government responded with force, leading to deaths, injuries, and arrests.
President Tinubu directed the release of the minors, and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction is to ensure their welfare and reunion with their parents or guardians. A committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention, and treatment.
Falana had filed a notice of preliminary objection, asking the judge to decline jurisdiction in the case and order the complainant to pay the children’s school fees until senior secondary school or university level. He argued that the Federal High Court lacks jurisdiction to try the minors.
The Attorney General of the Federation obtained a hearing notice to appear and move the motion for a takeover of the proceedings from the Inspector General of Police. With the president’s directive, the AGF is expected to move for a discontinuance of the charges.
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