The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed charges against 119 protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement.
On Tuesday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu struck out the case after the counsel to the Attorney General of the Federation, M.D. Abubakar, filed to take over and discontinue the charges. The protesters had faced serious accusations, including treason and inciting mutiny.
The group of 119 protesters was initially divided into two groups for arraignment on November 1. The first group included 76 people, among them 32 minors, and the second group had 43 individuals.
Abubakar asked the court to allow the AGF to step in and dismiss the case. This followed President Bola Tinubu’s recent order for the release of the minors, which came after public criticism from both Nigerian and international groups.
Many of the detained minors had been kept in unsuitable conditions, reportedly leading to health issues.
A statement from the Nigerian Police Force, signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the police were investigating claims that the minors had not received adequate care during detention.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to oversee a formal handover of these minors to their state governors, aiming to ensure they receive proper care and reunite with their families.
