The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has addressed claims suggesting that the prosecution of minors involved in alleged criminal activities is unconstitutional.
Fagbemi pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution does not prohibit trying minors who have committed offenses, clarifying the legality of detaining and arraigning #EndBadGovernance protesters, some of whom are minors, in the Federal High Court.
He delivered these remarks on Thursday evening in Abuja during the launch of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the unveiling of a book on Nigeria’s modern legal framework.
The statement came in the wake of nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests that took place from August 1 to 10, leading to numerous arrests by security agencies.
Following these events, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, scheduled the arraignment of 119 protesters, divided into two groups, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, November 1.
The first group included 76 individuals, while the second had 43. During the court session for the initial batch, several protesters, appearing visibly undernourished, collapsed, which sparked a public outcry, particularly due to the involvement of minors among the defendants.
Addressing this criticism, Fagbemi stated, “Let me seize this opportunity to clarify something. There is a misconception that, because these are children and minors (the arraigned #EndBadGovernance protesters), various theories have surfaced. No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.”
He added that the Federal High Court holds jurisdiction in cases involving charges like treason, underscoring the appropriateness of the court’s involvement.
In a surprising turn, President Bola Tinubu intervened in the matter, showing clemency by deciding to release the protesters, including the minors, and drop the charges against them.
The AGF acknowledged Tinubu’s compassionate stance, saying, “The President was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel, but the President said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways. So, the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
Shifting to a different topic, Fagbemi also discussed the recent Supreme Court ruling affirming financial autonomy for local governments.
He noted that implementing this ruling would be a phased effort to ensure its sustainable success, saying, “It takes time to achieve full implementation, but it will be done. By the time we achieve this, everyone will be satisfied. I will not start a project I cannot finish. The President is happy with it, everyone is pleased, and the public’s response to the Supreme Court’s decision suggests that the President couldn’t have done better.”
In his speech, Fagbemi encouraged legal practitioners to embrace partnerships to enrich the profession, emphasizing that collaborative practice improves capacity, strengthens risk management, and enhances expertise.
He remarked, “When experienced practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation benefits from their experiences. In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives, promoting adaptability and innovation in the profession.”
Fagbemi also highlighted that partnerships foster sustainability, accountability, and a supportive network to help meet client needs, adding that such collaborations enable firms to tackle a broad range of legal issues with greater creativity and robustness.
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, who chaired the occasion as Chairman of the Body of Benchers, urged lawyers to prioritize integrity and trust in their partnerships.
He emphasized that ethical standards are fundamental to the profession, as they serve as its cornerstone.
Managing Partner at the newly inaugurated Law Corridor, Pelumi Olajengbesi, expressed pride in the firm’s modern approach, describing it as “an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse, uniquely positioned to practice across a broad spectrum of traditional and modern legal disciplines.”
Olajengbesi emphasized that the firm is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of legal excellence, underpinned by a team of seasoned experts skilled in both conventional and emerging fields of law.
The event saw an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and other notable figures in law and government. Law Corridor’s leadership includes Olajengbesi as Managing Partner, Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu as Lead Partner, and Ganiyu Ajibola Bello as Deputy Managing Partner, each contributing unique expertise to guide the firm’s operations.
