Police: Individuals Over Seven Years Can Face Legal Charges

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that individuals older than seven years can be charged in court, a statement that comes in response to widespread backlash following the arraignment of protesters involved in the #EndBadGovernance movement.

Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi addressed the controversy on Friday, November 1, emphasizing that the law allows for minors, starting from the age of seven, to face legal charges, provided that specific due process protocols are observed. “Those exempt from criminal liability under the law are those below seven,” Adejobi stated during an interview with Channels TV. He noted that all individuals charged in this recent case are over the age of seven, with the youngest being around 13 years old.

“The fact that someone is 13 does not mean they cannot be charged to court,” Adejobi explained, citing the Children and Young Persons Act, which permits legal action against minors under certain circumstances. He pointed out that the recent arrests pertain to individuals who allegedly turned the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests into violent demonstrations, some of whom displayed flags from foreign nations, a move that constitutes an offense under Nigerian law.

The context for these remarks follows a dramatic court session in Abuja on Friday, where 76 individuals, predominantly minors, were brought before the Federal High Court. Reports indicate that at the start of the proceedings, four of the alleged protesters collapsed and were swiftly removed from the courtroom due to health concerns.

Ultimately, the court granted bail of N10 million to each of the 72 remaining defendants, while also dismissing charges against the four ailing minors. As the legal proceedings continue, the defendants have all pleaded not guilty, further complicating an already contentious situation.