The Federal High Court in Abuja has made a pivotal ruling by dismissing the case against 119 protesters who were charged in connection with the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu delivered the verdict on Tuesday following an application submitted by M.D. Abubakar, who represented the attorney-general of the federation (AGF). This development comes as a significant turn of events for the activists involved in the protests.
During the court session, Abubakar moved to take over and discontinue the suit against the protesters, stating that the AGF sought to assume control of the case. He argued that the AGF's involvement was necessary and justified under the legal framework governing such matters.
Abubakar referenced Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution, which empowers the AGF to take over and discontinue any criminal proceedings initiated by other entities, including those by the Inspector General of Police. This constitutional provision was central to his argument for the dismissal of the charges against the protesters.
Following Justice Egwuatu's acknowledgment of the AGF's request, Abubakar formally asked that the trials of the 119 accused individuals be halted in accordance with the same constitutional section. In response to this application, Justice Egwuatu granted the request without any objections being raised by the lawyers representing the accused.
Although the accused persons were not physically present in the courtroom during this session, the judge issued an order for their immediate release from prison, bringing relief to the individuals who had been awaiting trial. This decision underscores the court's recognition of the legal process and the authority vested in the AGF, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the protests and the government's response to civic activism.