*commends AGF’s timely intervention
By Our Reporter
A civil society organisation has condemned last week’s arraignment of malnourished minors in court after nearly three months in detention, raising critical concerns about their treatment in custody and questioning government’s respect for fundamental human rights.
The CSO, Make A Difference Initiative (MADI) however, lauded what it called the timely intervention by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF)., Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.
In a statement from MADI, the group faulted the Nigeria Police Force for further tarnishing government’s human rights standing by arresting, detaining, and subsequently arraigning malnourished and sickly minors.
“This incident was entirely preventable and reflects poorly on the Police. The sight of minors in a weakened, malnourished condition following extended detention is a significant stain on our justice and law enforcement systems and has further dented Nigeria’s human rights record. Such treatment of children is indefensible and has no place in a democratic nation that professes to uphold human rights”, the initiative stated in the statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe.
However, MADI commended the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), for his prompt response in requesting the case file from the police and ordering an immediate review, stating that it demonstrated the country’s Chief Law Officer’s commitment to the protection of the Nigerian Child.
“The Attorney General’s decisive intervention demonstrates his commitment to justice, procedural fairness and the protection of the Nigerian Child. His directive to consider an earlier hearing date is a testament to principled leadership that places justice and accountability at the forefront,” the initiative stated.
MADI acknowledged that legal accountability can apply to children under certain circumstances regardless of criticisms that have trailed the charge brought against the minor.
“However, we strongly urge the Attorney General of the Federation to review this case with a compassionate perspective, recognising that these minors are victims of longstanding systemic neglect by a leadership that has failed to prioritise their education, development, and general welfare. Rather than criminalise their actions, the government should recognise their plight as symptomatic of broader societal issues and address the root causes of their disillusionment and disenfranchisement”, the initiative appealed.
The initiative also urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun and all heads of security agencies to consult the Attorney General on sensitive cases before proceeding to court.
“Law enforcement agencies must ensure due process and avoid premature actions that risk unnecessary human rights violations and public embarrassment. Running cases of this nature by the Attorney General will help avoid missteps and preserve the integrity of our institutions,” the organisation emphasised.
MADI also called for immediate improvements in the treatment of detained minors, demanding higher welfare standards and accountability within detention facilities and urged the judiciary to act with compassion and uphold its duty to protect vulnerable groups, particularly children, as this case progresses.
“Make A Difference Initiative calls for immediate reforms to ensure the humane treatment of detained minors, demanding that detention facilities uphold the highest welfare standards and establish stringent accountability measures. As this case progresses, we urge the judiciary to approach it with compassion, fulfilling its vital duty to protect the rights and dignity of vulnerable groups, especially children, who should never suffer in custody.”
Last Friday, public outcry and condemnation greeted reports and video clips of malnourished minors collapsing at the Federal High Court, Abuja Division during their arraignment by the Nigerian Police on charges bordering on treason owing to their alleged involvement in the End Bad Governance protest held in August 2024.
In a rapid response to the public outcry, the Attorney General of Federation, Prince Fagbemi (SAN) immediately waded into the matter, calling on the police to transfer the case file to his office for review and action.
A press statement from the AGF’s office personally signed by Prince Fagbemi disclosed his intervention.
The press statement titled “Endbad governance protest: AGF intervenes, seeks casefile from police” reads thus:
“It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the endbad governance violent protest in court for various offences including treason.
There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me take an informed decision.
I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January.
It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January. I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the casefile to my office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd November, 2024.
I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date).”
