Hunger Protests: AGF Bows To Pressure, Demands Casefile Of Detained Persons
1 year ago 2 min read
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The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi has intervened in the case of persons arrested in connection with the nationwide hunger protest that held between August 1 to 10.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu had on Friday, granted 114 individuals bail to the tune of N10m each, after they were alleged to have conspired to commit treason and felonies with their actions during the protest.
They were also accused of damaging government properties particularly in Kano and Kaduna and inciting a change of government.
The protesters who are also made up of minors between the ages of 14 to 17, were eventually arraigned, with many of them looking “malnourished”.
Following the arraignment, several civil rights groups, and individuals have called on the Federal Government, to drop the charges against them and free them.
In a statement on Friday, the AGF said he will need to examine the situation before making a decision.
Fagbemi said he would not be able to change the court’s decision remanding them in custody, but ordered that the case file be sent to him, for necessary action on it.
He said, “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), the AGF concluded.
