The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has taken steps to oversee the legal proceedings involving the recent ‘Endbad Governance’ protests, following reports of police arraignment of several protestors. These individuals, arrested in connection with the protests, face charges that include treason.
In a statement issued on Friday, Fagbemi expressed concerns over the charges and outlined his office’s intention to thoroughly review the matter. “It has come to my attention that the police have arraigned those arrested during the ‘Endbad Governance’ protests in court, with some facing severe accusations including treason,” he noted. “There are certain aspects of this case my office must review to enable me to make an informed decision.”
The protests, which gained widespread attention, were reportedly marked by clashes, leading to numerous arrests. After the arraignment, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in detention centers, with the case adjourned until January 2024. Fagbemi emphasized that altering this judicial order falls outside his jurisdiction; however, he highlighted his office’s readiness to engage with the matter closely.
“I am aware of the court’s decision to remand the defendants and the adjournment to January,” he stated. “While it is beyond my purview to alter these court orders, I have instructed the Nigeria Police to submit the complete casefile to my office, to be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF) by Saturday, November 2, 2024.”
Fagbemi further directed the DPPF to urgently explore options for a possible review of the court’s adjournment date. “The machinery is now in motion for the DPPF to assess potential grounds for an earlier court appearance,” he added.
The AGF’s intervention signals a proactive stance on ensuring that the charges and proceedings reflect due process, amid heightened public interest and calls for justice.
