The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out treason charges against 119 minors detained since August in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests, following significant public outcry over their detention and prosecution.
Justice Obiora Egwatu dismissed the case after M.D. Abubakar, Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), withdrew the charges, exercising powers granted under section 174 of the Nigerian constitution.
The defense lawyers present raised no objections to the withdrawal.
The case garnered widespread attention after two minors collapsed during court proceedings on November 2, when the defendants were brought to court looking visibly malnourished.
The incident sparked local and international condemnation, particularly as the Child Rights Act explicitly prohibits prosecuting individuals under 18 in regular courts.
Initially, 176 defendants faced charges including treason, terrorism, and arson.
The judge had previously imposed strict bail conditions and ordered the defendants to remain in custody until meeting these requirements, with the next hearing scheduled for January.
The public outcry intensified after reports emerged of the defendants’ treatment in detention.
In response, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi demanded the police surrender the case file and sought an earlier court date.
The Explainer reported that President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the detained minors on Monday, bowing to mounting international and local pressure following the widely publicized #EndBadGovernance protests.
