THE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has asserted that prosecuting minors who have committed crimes is not unconstitutional, contrary to some claims.
He emphasized that, based on the Nigerian Constitution, it is not inappropriate to bring #EndBadGovernance protesters who are minors before a Federal High Court, considering the offenses they are charged with.
Fagbemi made these remarks late yesterday night in Abuja during the inauguration of the new Law Corridor office complex and the launch of a book on the modern Nigerian legal system.
It’s important to note that following the nationwide protest known as #EndBadGovernance, which occurred from August 1 to 10, several protesters were arrested by security forces.
In the wake of these arrests, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, was slated to arraign 119 protesters in two groups before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1.
The first group included 76 protesters, while the second group had 43. During the first group’s arraignment, four defendants collapsed, igniting public outrage, particularly since minors were among those charged and appeared to be malnourished.
In response to the backlash following their arraignment, the AGF stated, “I want to take this opportunity to clarify a misconception. There is a belief that minors cannot be tried, but no law in this country prohibits the trial of minors. I have also heard calls for them to be sent to a family court. The law and the Constitution clearly indicate that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction over matters involving treason and related offenses. Regardless of the circumstances, the President has made the decision to release these young individuals.”
Fagbemi acknowledged that the charges were serious but noted that President Bola Tinubu, acting as a father and grandfather, chose to pardon them and withdraw the charges.
“The President demonstrated considerable compassion; he is a father and grandfather. When you examine the facts held by the security agencies, it’s astonishing, yet the President, keeping in mind his roles as a father and grandfather, made the decision to release them and support them in various ways. The credit for this compassionate act goes to him.”
Regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government financial autonomy, the AGF pointed out that its implementation would be gradual, emphasizing that he would not initiate a project he couldn’t complete.
“Fully implementing this will take time, but it will happen. In the end, everyone will be satisfied. I will not embark on projects I cannot finish. The President is pleased with the outcome, and public responses to the Supreme Court’s ruling indicate that the President’s actions have been commendable.”
The AGF also encouraged lawyers to embrace partnerships within the profession, highlighting that such collaborations enhance expertise, increase capacity, improve risk management, and yield additional benefits. He underscored that it is no longer effective for individual law firms to operate independently, as partnerships allow lawyers to combine their varied knowledge for more efficient legal practice.
He said, “When seasoned practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation can benefit from their experiences. In turn, younger lawyers offer fresh perspectives, fostering adaptability and innovation in the field. Partnerships also promote sustainability and resilience, ensuring accountability and creating a robust support network to meet client expectations. Collaboration is key in building strong relationships, as clients seek a team that understands their needs and delivers comprehensive services.”
Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, the Chairman of the event and the Body of Benchers, urged lawyers to be trustworthy partners. He encouraged them to continue building integrity within the legal profession and to uphold high ethical standards as the foundation of their practice.
Pelumi Olajengbesi described the new Law Corridor building as “an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse, positioned to operate across a diverse range of both traditional and modern legal disciplines.”
He stated, “We are a partnership dedicated to the highest standards of legal excellence, distinguished by a team of experienced legal experts, each possessing extensive knowledge of both simple and complex legal matters. We adeptly navigate conventional practice areas as well as corporate law and emerging legal fields, driven by a commitment to ethical standards, meticulous due diligence, and enduring client relationships.”
Dignitaries at the event included AGF Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke; and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.
The Law Corridor was led by Managing Partner Pelumi Olajengbesi, Lead Partner Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu, and Deputy Managing Partner Ganiyu Ajibola Bello.