Nov. 5, 2024

The charges of alleged conspiracy, treasonable felony and disruption of public peace, filed against 150 young persons in the wake of the August nationwide protests, have been struck out by the Federal high court, Abuja.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu discharged the defendants, based on a motion for discontinuance of the trial filed by the director of public prosecution of the federation, Mohammed Abubakar, on behalf of the Attorney General and minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

The justice ministry took over the case, in line with its powers in section 174 of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.

Justice Egwuatu receiving no objection from the defense counsel granted the request and dismissed the charges. He ordered the immediate release of the defendants from prison remand.

President Tinubu had on Monday directed the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to terminate the trial by dropping charges against them and facilitate the release of the defendants, most of whom are said to be minors.