Falana Wants Charges Against Minors Dropped

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has urged a federal high court in Abuja to dismiss charges against 76 protesters, including minors, involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement.

These protesters face charges of treason and other related offences.

During Friday’s proceedings, several minors among the defendants collapsed while waiting to be arraigned, leading to a chaotic scene in the courtroom.

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These individuals were arrested across various states, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.

The court set bail at N10 million for each defendant, while the prosecution requested that the charges be dismissed for those who collapsed.

Falana, representing the defendants, filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction over the case. He emphasised that, according to Section 18 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, Section 15 of the Child’s Rights Act, Section 2 of the Universal Basic Education Act, and Article 17 of the African Charter, minors should not be subjected to criminal trials.