The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the case of the #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arraigned in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

The group, consisting of 75 minors aged between 12 and 15, faces 10 counts, including terrorism and attempting to overthrow the government, due to their involvement in nationwide protests.

Their arraignment has sparked significant backlash against the Federal Government from civil society organizations and opposition leaders, who condemned the detention and prosecution of minors and urged the government to resolve the situation promptly.

Fagbemi stated that he cannot alter the court’s order to remand the defendants in detention and has adjourned the case until January. However, he has instructed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office and hand it over to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) on Saturday.

He noted, “It has come to my attention that the police have charged those arrested in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest with various offenses, including treason. There are issues that my office needs to review to make an informed decision.”

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 67 of the 76 protesters for N10 million each, requiring those under 15 to present a civil servant as surety.

The minors appeared malnourished, with four needing immediate medical attention as they collapsed in the courtroom.

All 76 were arrested during the nationwide protests from August 1 to 10, sparked by severe economic hardship that drove many Nigerians to express their grievances on the streets.