In a statement that has ignited significant public outrage, the Nigeria Police Force has declared that any individual over the age of seven can be charged in court. This announcement, made by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Ogunjobi, comes on the heels of the controversial arraignment of 76 minors who were arrested during the #Endbadgovernance protests held from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
During an interview with Channels Television, Ogunjobi defended the police actions, which included charging the minors with treason and other serious offenses. He emphasized that none of the 76 minors arrested are younger than seven years old, asserting, “Once you are more than 7 years old, you can be charged to court… None of them is less than 7.”
The situation escalated on Friday when one of the minors reportedly fainted while in court. The alarming incident highlights the tension surrounding the treatment of young protesters amid their legal proceedings. Following the arraignment, the court granted bail at N10 million for each suspect, a decision that has not mitigated the public’s concern.
Public reaction to the charges has been overwhelmingly negative, with many Nigerians condemning the police’s actions. Critics argue that the police’s approach to handling minors in protests raises serious ethical and legal questions, particularly regarding their treatment and the charges brought against them.
Ogunjobi reiterated the police’s stance, noting that even a 13-year-old is not immune from legal repercussions. He remarked, “The fact that you are 13 years old does not mean you can’t be charged to court,” reinforcing the message that age alone does not exempt individuals from legal accountability.
