The Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has berates who claimed that arraigning and trying minors who have committed crimes is unconstitutional. The AGF revealed that, trying minors is lawful according to the Nigerian Constitution, only faulted that trying to detain #EndBadGovernance protesters (minors) in a Federal High Court is inappropriate, given the degree of crimes with which they were charged.
Fagbemi made this statement yesterday night in Abuja, at the commissioning of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the presentation of a book on the modern Nigerian legal system.
Recall that following the nationwide protest tagged #EndBadGovernance, which took place between August 1 and 10, security agencies cracked down on several protesters especially in Kano and Kaduna states where many of the foot soldiers were arrested.
Consequently, the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, after the suspect spending three months in detention paraded 119 protesters in two batches before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, 1 November.
Accordingly, the first batch consisted of 76 protesters, while the second batch included 43. Where during the arraignment of the first batch, four out of the children collapsed at the floor of the court over what appeared to be hunger.
The physical condition the children appeared sparked public outrage, largely because minors whom were looking visibly starved were among the defendants and appeared malnourished evidently as they struggle over biscuits that was thrown on them.
However, justifying the arraignment, the AGF said, “Let me seize this opportunity to clarify something. There is a misconception that, because these are children and minors (the arraigned #EndBadGovernance protesters), various theories have surfaced. No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court.
The AGF continued, “The study of the law and the Constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the Federal High Court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues, so whatever the situation, the President has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.”
The AGF also noted that considering the facts of the case, the offences were serious. Nonetheless, President Bola Tinubu, as a father and grandfather, chose to pardon them and drop the charges.
“The President was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel, but the President said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways. So, the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
Meanwhile, speaking on the Supreme Court’s judgment on local government financial autonomy, the AGF noted that implementation would be a gradual process, as he would prefer administering it in chunks.
“It takes time to achieve full implementation, but it will be done. By the time we achieve this, everyone will be satisfied. I will not start a project I cannot finish. The President is happy with it, everyone is pleased, and the public’s response to the Supreme Court’s decision suggests that the President couldn’t have done better.”
Accordingly, he called on legal practitioners to collaborate while practicing the profession as this will boost their expertise and increased capacity and improved risk management.
He recalls that the era of lone practicing law is gone as there is no progress in isolation, reminding them that partnership bring togetherness and in general improves the law profession.
He explained that partnerships allow for comprehensive legal solutions to a broad range of issues, enhancing creativity and jurisprudence.
“When experienced practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation benefits from their experiences.
“In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives, promoting adaptability and innovation in the profession.”
“Another benefit of partnerships is sustainability and resilience, fostering accountability and creating a support network to meet client expectations.
“Collaboration enhances strong relationships, which are essential in the legal profession, as clients seek a team that understands their needs and provides comprehensive services,” the AGF stated.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, urged lawyers to be good partners and prioritise trust.
Awomolo encouraged lawyers to continue building integrity over anything within the legal profession and uphold high ethical standards as a cornerstone of their practice.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, on his part, described the new Law Corridor edifice as “an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse, uniquely positioned to practice across a broad spectrum of traditional and modern legal disciplines.”
He reiterated, “We are a partnership committed to the highest standards of legal excellence, distinguished by a team of seasoned legal experts, each bringing extensive experience and a deep understanding of both
straightforward and complex legal matters.”
“We seamlessly navigate conventional practice areas, corporate law, and pioneering legal fields, with a steadfast commitment to ethical principles, meticulous due diligence, and long-lasting client relationships.”
Amongst dignitries who graced the occasion were; the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, among others.
The Law Corridor has Olajengbesi as its Managing Partner, Henry Kelechukwu Eni-Otu as its Lead Partner, and Ganiyu Ajibola Bello as its Deputy Managing Partner.