No law prohibits prosecution of minors in Nigeria – AGF Fagbemi
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has argued that no law exists in the country that prohibits the prosecution of minors.
Fagbemi said, given the offence with which they were charged, the recent arraignment of some protesters, including some minors, charged with treason, was not inappropriate as claimed in some quarters.
He said: “Let me seize this opportunity to clarify something. There is a misconception that, because these (some of those arraigned) are children and minors, various theories have surfaced.
“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 with no other conclusion than that the Federal High Court has the 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.”
Fagbemi spoke at Katampe in Abuja on Thursday evening at the inauguration of the new office of a law firm – the Law Corridor.
He observed that, considering the facts of the case, the offences were serious, adding: “Nonetheless, President Bola Tinubu, as a father and grandfather, chose to pardon them and drop the charges.
“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 these, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.
“So, the credit goes to him for showing compassion consideration in releasing the young chaps.”
On the Supreme Court’s judgment in relation to local government financial autonomy, Fagbemi said the implementation would be a gradual process, assuring that he would not initiate a project he cannot complete.
He said: “It takes time to achieve full implementation, but it will be done. By the time we achieve this, everyone will be satisfied. I will not start a project I cannot finish.
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“The President is happy with it; everyone is pleased, and the public’s response to the Supreme Court’s decision suggests that the President could not have done better.”
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Fagbemi advocates for enhanced collaboration among lawyers to grow expertise, increase capacity, improve risk management, and provide more benefits.
The AGF noted that it was no longer ideal for individual lawyer and his firm to operate in isolation, adding that partnerships bring together lawyers with diverse knowledge to achieve more efficient legal practice.
Fagbemi explained that partnerships allow for comprehensive legal solutions to a broad range of issues, enhancing creativity and jurisprudence.
“When experienced practitioners partner with younger lawyers, the next generation benefits from their experiences.
He said: “In return, younger lawyers bring fresh perspectives, promoting adaptability and innovation in the profession
“Another benefit of partnerships is sustainability and resilience, fostering accountability and creating a support network to meet client expectations.
“Collaboration enhances strong relationships, which are essential in the legal profession, as clients seek a team that understands their needs and provides comprehensive services,” the AGF stated.
The Chairman, the Body of Benchers, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged lawyers to be good partners and prioritise trust.
Awomolo (who was the Chairman of the occasion) advised legal practitioners to persist in cultivating integrity in their practice and uphold high ethical standards as the cornerstone of their practice.
Law Corridor’s Managing Partner, Pelumi Olajengbesi described the firm as “an innovative and cosmopolitan legal powerhouse, uniquely positioned to practice across a broad spectrum of traditional and modern legal disciplines.”
Olajengbesi added: “We are a partnership committed to the highest standards of legal excellence, distinguished by a team of seasoned legal experts, each bringing extensive experience and a deep understanding of both straightforward and complex legal matters.
“We seamlessly navigate conventional practice areas, corporate law, and pioneering legal fields, with a steadfast commitment to ethical principles, meticulous due diligence, and long-lasting client relationships.”
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