Kano gov pushes for release of minors

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has instructed the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice to take action regarding the detention of minors from Kano who were among the #EndBadGovernance protesters brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday.

This update was confirmed by the state Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Baba Halilu Dantiye, in a statement to The Punch on Sunday.

On Friday, the Federal Government arraigned 76 protesters arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstrations, some of whom were minors. A video showing these minors in poor health circulated widely, prompting concern. The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, presented the protesters before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on ten charges, including treason and incitement to mutiny for allegedly calling on the military to remove President Bola Tinubu. All 76 defendants entered not guilty pleas.

Dantiye reported that Governor Yusuf issued his directive via his X account after the arraignment video gained attention.

“The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has directed the Commissioner for Justice to take swift action regarding this matter. I have been made aware of the presence of minors, some of whom are believed to be from Kano, in court today (Friday) in Abuja,” he stated.

“The Commissioner of Justice has been tasked to address this issue immediately. We will do everything in our power to ensure their safe return to Kano, insha Allah,” the governor’s message indicated.