Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has pledged that his administration will take all necessary steps to secure the return of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests, who are thought to be from the state.
Atlantic Reporters notes that these protesters, including minors, were charged on Friday. Reports indicate that the arrested individuals hail from Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano.
They face serious charges, including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. The group was presented at a Federal High Court in Abuja, where four minors fainted and were quickly taken out of the courtroom; the court subsequently granted N10 million bail to each of the 72 defendants.
The arraignment of minors has sparked widespread condemnation from many Nigerians, including prominent politicians and civil society groups. Meanwhile, Federal Government prosecutor Rimazonte Ezekiel asserted that all defendants are adults, with many being married men. Contrarily, Nigeria Police Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi noted that the youngest among those arraigned is just 13 years old.
In response to this situation, Governor Yusuf stated on his official X account that he has instructed the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Haruna Dederi, to take swift action. He emphasized, “I have been made aware of the appearance of teenagers in court today in Abuja. The Commissioner of Justice has been directed to respond immediately. We will do everything possible to bring them back to Kano, in sha Allah.”