Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out treasonous charges brought against 119 Nigerians including minors detained since August for participating in the nationwide public demonstrations.
One of the lawyers from the Femi Falana's Chambers, Marshal Abubakar, has told the President Bola Tinubu-led government to provide resources for the rehabilitation of the malnourished minors detained over #EndBadGovernance protests.
Recall that the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday struck out treasonous charges brought against 119 Nigerians including minors detained since August for participating in the nationwide public demonstrations.
This was pronounced by Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, who struck out the case following an application by the counsel to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF).
Addressing newsmen after securing their freedom on Tuesday morning, one of their lawyers, Marshal Abubakar said their clients were granted bail after the Attorney General of Federation exercised his constitutional right to discontinue the treasonous case initiated by Nigerian Police.
The lawyer added that the government was statutorily bound to rehabilitate and ensure all the detained minor enjoy free education up to university education.
He said, “The second step, which is an urgent step, which the government must take is the issue of rehabilitation and education of these young persons. Under Section 18 of the constitution, the government owes the duty to educate these young persons. Under Section 2 of the UBEC ACT and several other international treaties, these young persons must be educated by the government. Free of charge.
“Universal Basic Education must be accorded to these young persons from primary schools to the university levels. This is the duty of the government that must be discharged fullest by the government after the discountenance of this charge.”
SaharaReporters had reported that following their rejection at Kuje Prison, the malnourished minors were detained by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a facility meant for adults at the Intelligence Response Team unit in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territory
The kids who were granted bail on stringent terms by Justice Obiora Egwuatu were 24. Still, about 20 of them had been hospitalised at an undisclosed hospital, sources told SaharaReporters last Friday night.
Earlier on Monday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the underage children arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court on Friday, November 1, following national and international outrage and condemnation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the development to State House correspondents during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
SaharaReporters had also exclusively reported that Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is set to preside over an elaborate handover ceremony to transfer custody of malnourished minors to their respective state governors from the northern region.