Force PRO of the Nigeria Police, Muyiwa Adejobi, has defended the prosecution of minors involved in the #EndBadGovernance protests, stating, “Once you are more than 7 years old, you can be charged to court… none of them is less than 7… the fact that you are 13 years old does not mean you can’t be charged to court.”
This comment was made during an interview on Friday, amidst controversy surrounding the arraignment of 75 minors, aged 12-15, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The minors face 10 counts of terrorism, attempting to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny. Adejobi’s statement emphasizes the legal framework allowing minors over 7 to be charged in court.
However, critics argue that prosecuting children for participating in protests raises concerns about their treatment and rights.
Adejobi, as the Force PRO, has previously addressed issues of police misconduct, promising to intensify efforts in implementing the reorientation program initiated by the Inspector-General of Police. In this case, he stressed that the law permits the prosecution of minors, highlighting the complexity of balancing justice with juvenile welfare.
Earlier, the arraignment of 75 minors, aged 12-15, at the Federal High Court in Abuja has sparked outrage across Nigeria. The protesters, charged with 10 counts of terrorism, attempting to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny, were part of the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
However, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has taken over the case, citing the need for further review. Fagbemi acknowledged that while his office was prepared to take action, it does not have the authority to alter the court’s order, which remands the minors in detention until January. He directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the case file to his office and instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation to seek an earlier court date.
The prosecution of minors has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society organizations and opposition leaders, who urge the government to address the matter urgently.
