Nigerian Minors Freed on Treason Charges – Questions

As widely reported in news media today, the Nigerian juveniles that had been infamously on trial for criminal charges, including treason, in the wake of protests tagged #endbadgovernance, have now had the cases against them struck out following the intervention of the federal government.

This case raises several socio-legal questions for society and country at large. Highlighted below are some of the most obvious questions crying out for answers especially from the perspective of people involved in or concerned not only with the didactic and exegetical aspects of the law but also its practical application.

What motivated the Police actions and are the Police so poorly trained and insensitive?

What motivated the decision to prosecute and are the lawyers involved not fully conversant with their obligations, especially their ethical obligations?

What motivated charging juveniles in adult courts?

What motivated invoking some of the charges, at least those of treason, against juveniles?

What motivated the decision of the court that first placed the juveniles on (extensive) remand? Is it not fair to ask whether the judge/court exhibited competence in its role and was mindful of both the law and the court’s duties?

What motivated the decision of the most recent court to impose such stringent bail conditions in the circumstances?

While there are further questions beyond the law and relating to the economic and social backgrounds to both the protests and subsequent and now botched prosecutions, these questions call for both reflection and responses from the law enforcement and ‘justice’ institutions.