The Nigeria Police Force has stated that individuals older than 7 years can be prosecuted in court. This announcement follows widespread outrage over the arraignment of #Endbadgovernance protesters on Friday.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Ogunjobi made this comment during an interview with Channels Television, defending the charges against 76 minors arrested during the protests from August 1-10, 2024, on allegations of treason and other offenses.
Reports indicate that one of the minors fainted in court, and all 76 were subsequently granted bail set at N10 million each, sparking significant public condemnation.
Ogunjobi emphasized that none of the charged protesters are under 7 years old, stating, “Once you are more than 7 years old, you can be charged to court… The fact that you are 13 years old does not mean you can’t be charged.”
Former Presidential Candidate Atiku Abubakar criticized the arraignment, highlighting the impact of the current government’s policies on minors. Similarly, organizations such as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria called on the Tinubu administration and the court to release the 76 minors.
