Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi has taken control of the case involving 75 young protesters, aged 12 to 15, facing charges of terrorism and attempted government overthrow. These minors were detained during recent nationwide protests against economic hardship, sparking public backlash. Civil rights groups and political leaders have criticized the government’s treatment of the minors and urged a swift resolution.
Fagbemi announced on Friday that he would review the case but clarified that he cannot change the court’s decision to keep the minors in custody or the trial date set for January. He instructed the police to transfer the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPPF) to consider options for an earlier hearing.
In court, 67 of the minors were granted bail, set at ₦10 million each, with those under 15 needing a civil servant as a surety. Witnesses reported that some minors appeared malnourished and unwell, with a few needing urgent medical attention during the proceedings.