Femi Falana (SAN) BLOWS Hot After Tinubu ORDERED Immediate Release Of NORTHERN #EndBadGovernance Protesters
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the immediate release of minors detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protests. However, Falana emphasized that this move is only a positive step and urged the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to discontinue charges against the remaining 101 protesters due to lack of evidence supporting treason charges.
President Tinubu’ s directive, announced by Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, ensures the minors’ release without prejudice to ongoing legal processes. The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will attend to the minors’ welfare and facilitate their reunion with parents or guardians. An administrative committee, headed by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, will investigate the arrest, detention, treatment, and release of the minors, with disciplinary action taken against culpable officials.
Falana stressed that formally discontinuing the charge by filing a nolle prosequi application at the Federal High Court is crucial. He pointed out that the Police Prosecutor’ s attempt to prove treason charges against 130 defendants, including 29 minors, lacks substance and may embarrass the government. The prosecutor plans to present 76 Russian flags, two fire extinguishers, two prepaid meters, letters of arrest, and statements of the suspects as evidence.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place in several states last August, have sparked controversy over the government’ s handling of demonstrations. Falana’ s statement highlights the need for accountability and adherence to due process in addressing these issues. As the situation unfolds, attention will focus on the government’ s response to Falana’ s calls and the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
In a broader context, this development comes amid growing concerns about the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria. The international community is watching closely, and the government’ s actions will have significant implications for the country’ s reputation and relationships with foreign partners.
The release of the minors and the potential discontinuation of charges against the remaining protesters will be a crucial step towards addressing these concerns and promoting justice and accountability in Nigeria.
