The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has addressed public concerns following the arraignment of minors on charges of arson, treason, and other offenses related to the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.
The NPF clarified that under Nigerian law, only children below the age of seven are exempt from criminal liability, meaning they cannot be tried in court.
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Approximately 76 individuals, many of whom are minors, were arrested during the protests after incidents of public property damage, attacks on police officers, and anti-government chants.
During their arraignment in Abuja on Friday, five of the minors reportedly collapsed in the courtroom after weeks of detention without trial, sparking public outcry.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, explained during an interview on Channels TV that minors aged seven and above are legally eligible to face charges, provided appropriate legal procedures are followed. “Those exempt from criminal liability under the law are those below seven. Once you are above seven, you can be charged to court. The only consideration is the specific procedures required. None of them is younger than seven. The youngest is around 13,” Adejobi stated.
Adejobi added that the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) permits the prosecution of minors in certain situations. “The fact that someone is 13 does not mean they cannot be charged to court. Even under the Children and Young Persons Act, individuals can still be charged. We have charged them on behalf of the Federal Government,” he explained.
Responding to questions on the charges brought against the minors, Adejobi clarified that they were not mere protesters but had allegedly engaged in unlawful conduct during the demonstrations. “These are individuals who leveraged the #EndBadGovernance protests, hijacked it, became violent, and displayed flags from Russia and other countries, which is, of course, an offense. They are criminally liable, and we have not charged anyone underage,” he asserted.
The court session, presided over by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, witnessed the fainting of five defendants, aged between 12 and 15, shortly after the proceedings began. Despite this, Justice Egwuatu granted bail of N10 million each to 67 suspects.
The handling of the minors’ arraignment has fueled national debate, with human rights activists calling for a more sensitive approach toward minors involved in civil protests.
