#EndBadGovernance: Fagbemi Speaks on Trial of Underage Protesters

AGF Defends Trial of Minors - No Law Prohibits It, Says Fagbemi

“There is no law in this country that prohibits the trial of minors, I've also heard suggestions that they should be...”

Nigeria's Attorney General, Lateef Fagbemi, sparks outrage by stating no law prohibits trying minors, amid the arraignment of 75 underage protesters, aged 12-15, on terrorism and mutiny charges.

Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria's Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has sparked controversy by stating that there's no law prohibiting the prosecution of minors in Nigeria. He made this assertion while defending the recent arraignment of protesters, including minors, on treason charges.

Fagbemi emphasized that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over matters related to treason, which is why the minors were arraigned before the Abuja Federal High Court. However, President Bola Tinubu later intervened, directing Fagbemi to withdraw the charges against the minors. The court subsequently struck out the suit against 119 protesters, and the minors were released and hosted by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the State House.

Critics have raised concerns about the arraignment, suggesting that minors should be tried in family courts instead. However, Fagbemi maintains that the law allows for minors to be prosecuted in regular courts for serious offenses like treason. This development has ignited debate about Nigeria's justice system and its handling of juvenile cases.

Pointers:

No Law Prohibits Prosecution of Minors: Fagbemi asserts that Nigerian law allows for minors to be prosecuted 

Treason Charges: Minors were arraigned for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest 

Presidential Intervention: President Tinubu directed the AGF to withdraw charges against minors 

Fagbemi clarified, “There is a misconception circulating that the charges are inappropriate simply because some of those involved are minors. Various theories have been put forward, but they are unfounded.

“There is no law in this country that prohibits the trial of minors, I've also heard suggestions that they should be sent to a family court.

“However, a thorough examination of the law and the Constitution makes it clear that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over matters involving treason and related offenses.

He added, “In any case, the President has resolved the matter by deciding to have these young released.”

Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria's Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, sparked controversy on Thursday evening, November 7, in Katampe, Abuja, during the inauguration of Law Corridor's new office. He defended the prosecution of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, citing that the seriousness of the offenses made the case substantial.

Fagbemi emphasized that no law in Nigeria prohibits the prosecution of minors, particularly in cases of treason, which is a serious offense. This statement has ignited debate about Nigeria's justice system and its handling of juvenile cases. The Attorney-General's remarks came after President Bola Tinubu intervened, directing Fagbemi to withdraw charges against the minors.

However, he added, “Despite the gravity of the situation. President Bola Tinubu, as both a father and grandfather, made the decision to pardon them and drop the charges.

“The President showed great compassion. With all the facts in the possession of the security agencies, one would be astonished. But the President, guided by his role as a father and grandfather, chose to act out of empathy, deciding to release them and offer them a chance for a better future.

“The credit for showing compassion and consideration in releasing the young individuals goes to him,” Fagbemi remarked.

The Supreme Court's ruling on local government financial autonomy is a significant step towards deepening democracy in Nigeria. Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi emphasized that implementing this ruling will be a gradual process, ensuring its successful execution. He's committed to seeing it through, refusing to take on projects that might stall midway.

The Supreme Court's landmark judgment, delivered on July 11, 2024, granted financial autonomy to Nigeria's 774 local governments, mandating direct disbursement of funds from the Federation Account to the local governments. This move is expected to bring governance closer to the people, enabling citizens to hold their leaders accountable and potentially leading to better governance.

Implications of the Ruling:

Financial Autonomy: Local governments will receive allocations directly from the Federation Account.

Accountability: Citizens can hold local leaders accountable for resource management.

Improved Governance: Direct funding may lead to better service delivery and development at the grassroots.

Experts and stakeholders have welcomed this judgment, seeing it as a vital intervention in Nigeria's democratic development. Some, like Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, applaud the ruling, while others, like former Governor James Onanefe Ibori, express concerns about potential chaos.

“It will take time to fully implement, but rest assured, it will be done,” he said. “By the time it is fully realized, everyone will be satisfied. I do not start projects I am unable to finish.

“The President is satisfied with the outcome, and the general public's reaction to the Supreme Court's decision indicates that the President could not have handled it any better.”

Lateef Fagbemi, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is advocating for greater collaboration among lawyers to supercharge expertise, capacity, and risk management, ultimately delivering more benefits to clients. He emphasizes that going solo is no longer the way to go, pointing out that partnerships bring together lawyers with diverse knowledge and skills to achieve more effective legal outcomes.

“When experienced practitioners collaborate with younger lawyers, the next generation gains valuable insights from their mentors. In turn, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives, driving adaptability and innovation within the profession.”

Lateef Fagbemi emphasized that law firm partnerships offer numerous benefits, including:

Sustainability and Resilience: Partnerships help law firms better withstand challenges and adapt to changing market conditions.

Accountability: By sharing responsibilities, partners hold each other accountable for their actions and decisions.

Support Network: Partnerships provide a built-in support system, allowing lawyers to collaborate, share knowledge, and leverage each other's strengths to better serve clients.

Enhanced Client Service: By pooling resources and expertise, law firms can meet client expectations more effectively and provide comprehensive legal solutions.

These benefits can lead to increased success and growth for law firms, as well as improved job satisfaction and stability for lawyers.

“Collaboration strengthens relationships, which are crucial in the legal profession, as clients prefer a team that understands their needs and provides comprehensive solutions,” he noted.

Adegboyega Awomolo, Chairman of the Body of Benchers, emphasized the importance of trust and strong partnerships in professional relationships for lawyers. He also stressed the need for legal practitioners to prioritize integrity and uphold high ethical standards in their work, serving as the foundation of their practice.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, Managing Partner of Law Corridor, proudly described his firm as “an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse” that excels in diverse traditional and modern legal fields. With over eight years of experience, Law Corridor has established itself as a methodical and dynamic law firm, committed to delivering tailored solutions to address clients' specific problems. As Olajengbesi noted, Law Corridor's unique position enables it to navigate a wide range of legal areas, making it a go-to partner for clients seeking comprehensive legal expertise.

Values at Law Corridor:

Integrity: Nurturing integrity in their work and upholding high ethical standards

Trust: Prioritizing trust in professional relationships

Innovation: Embracing innovative approaches to legal practice

Expertise: Offering comprehensive legal solutions across traditional and modern fields

By embracing these values, Law Corridor has cemented its reputation as a leading law firm in Nigeria and West Africa, shaping the legal landscape through its commitment to excellence and innovation.

Olajengbesi added, “We are a partnership committed to the highest standards of legal excellence, with a team of seasoned experts who bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of both simple and complex legal matters

“We adeptly handle traditional practice areas, corporate law, and emerging legal fields, all while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical standards, thorough due diligence, and fostering enduring client relationships.”