Nigeria’s Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, is reviewing treason charges filed against 32 minors involved in an anti-government protest. These minors, reportedly detained in poor conditions, experienced severe hardship, with some fainting from hunger. Following public outcry, Fagbemi took steps to transfer the case from the police to his office, seeking a swift review and the possibility of dropping charges. The minors, currently held in police custody without proper juvenile facilities, have drawn attention from human rights groups and activists, who demand their immediate release and proper treatment.
The case has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s approach to juvenile justice, especially given the lack of a Borstal system for juvenile detention in the area. Some activists raised alarms about minors’ treatment, with notable figures criticizing the alleged lack of care and advocating for an urgent court hearing. Fagbemi aims to expedite the judicial process by seeking an early court date, potentially paving the way for the charges’ dismissal. As tensions rise, the government faces increasing pressure to address the ethical and legal implications of the charges brought against these young protesters.
