The governors of Bauchi and Kano States, along with the Arewa Consultative Forum, are calling for the release of minors currently facing treason charges in the Abuja Federal High Court.
Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed the state Attorney General to take immediate action to secure the release of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano and Kaduna from August 1 to 10. This directive was confirmed by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had previously arraigned 76 protesters, including minors, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu in Abuja. Viral videos of malnourished children in custody have sparked public outrage, prompting civil society groups to demand their immediate release.
The protesters were divided into two groups, with 32 minors among them. The first group faced ten counts related to treason, attempting to destabilize the government, and inciting military intervention against President Bola Tinubu. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail of N10 million each.
Dantiye reported that Governor Yusuf expressed his concerns over the appearance of minors in court and has instructed the Commissioner for Justice to act promptly to return them to Kano.
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, chair of the People’s Democratic Party Governors Forum, also voiced his distress over the situation.
He criticized the treatment of the children, emphasizing the urgent need for unity among northern leaders regarding issues affecting the region. He highlighted the unreasonableness of the bail amount, given the economic hardships many families face.
Senior lawyers have voiced differing opinions on the legality of the minors’ arraignment for treason. Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) criticized the treatment of the children, arguing that they should not have been detained for such an extended period. He asserted that the legal system should prioritize rehabilitation rather than punitive measures for minors.
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Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) echoed these sentiments, stating that the government has failed to justify the charges against the minors and that their treatment raises serious legal and ethical concerns.
In contrast, Simon Lough (SAN), representing the Inspector-General, contended that charging minors aged 8 to 12 is lawful under specific conditions, asserting that the children were charged alongside adults.
The National Human Rights Commission condemned the children’s arraignment, noting that it violates numerous national and international laws regarding children’s rights.
The Commission’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, called for a review of the case and emphasized the need for legal processes to align with children’s rights.
The Arewa Consultative Forum denounced the trial as a “sham” and an attempt to intimidate citizens from exercising their rights to protest. They demanded the immediate release of the minors and called for an investigation into their prolonged detention.
Women Aid Collective Nigeria also urged the government to redirect minors from formal judicial processes and advocated for their separation from adult detainees.
Parents of the arrested minors have threatened to travel to Abuja to demand their children’s release, expressing deep concern over their treatment since the arrests.
