The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has justified the treason charge filed against some minors who participated in the recent EndBadGovernance protest that was held across the country.

Vanguard reports that the AGF maintained that no law in the country forbade the prosecution of minors and said that President Bola Tinubu’s decision to terminate further proceedings on the case brought against the teenagers was purely on compassionate grounds.

Fagbemi reportedly said this at the commissioning of an office comment in Abuja on Thursday, November 7.

“No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court. The study of the law and the constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the federal high court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues. So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.

The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.

But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children and grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways. So the credit goes to him (the President) for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps” the AGF said

It will be recalled that Federal High Court in Abuja had last Tuesday struck out two separate treason charges that were preferred against 119 persons that were arrested and detained for participating in the nationwide protest that was held between August 1 and August 10.

The cases were terminated after the AGF, acting at the directive of President Tinubu, withdrew the charges that were originally brought before the court by the Nigeria Police Force.

Ten thousand Police Constables are currently undergoing arms handling to ensure adequate protection of lives and property in their areas of responsibility across the country.

Assistant Inspector General of Police zone 7 Abuja, Benneth Igwe stated this while on familization visit to Niger State, One of the Commands under his Jurisdiction.

Gunmen Kidnap Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Azubuike In Imo

Gunmen have abducted Rev Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, the parish priest of St Theresa’s Catholic Parish in Obollo Community, Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The victim was reportedly abducted on Tuesday night along the Ayayi community when he was returning from an assignment, according to church authorities.

Confirming the incident, the Catholic Diocese of Okigwe, in a statement, solicited prayers for the priest’s safety and swift return to his parish.

The statement signed by the Chancellor/Secretary of the diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Princewill Iwuanyanwu, “I am directed to inform you that one of our priests, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Azubuike, was kidnapped this evening, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 6pm.

“We solicit your fervent prayers that he may come back to us safe and sound while trusting in your goodwill and solidarity,” the statement read.

Reacting to the incident, Henry Okoye, the state police spokesman, said the command had commenced an investigation to rescue the abducted priest.