Federal High Court Dismisses Treason Charges Against #EndBadGovernance Movement Members Following AGF’s Intervention

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed treason charges filed by the Inspector General of Police against the #EndBadGovernance movement. The dismissal came after Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN, retracted the charges on behalf of the federal government.

During Tuesday's proceedings, Fagbemi, SAN, announced his intention to exercise his powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution to assume control of the case from the Inspector General of Police on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), M.D. Abubakar. Utilizing this constitutional provision, the Attorney General then halted the trial of all 150 defendants after obtaining court approval.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the Attorney General's request, dismissing the charges without opposition from the numerous defense lawyers representing the accused. Although the defendants were not present in court, the judge ordered their immediate release from detention.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed the Attorney General to withdraw the charges, emphasizing that many of the defendants were minors, who are legally exempt from facing such charges.