#EndBadGovernance: Release minors_ Northern Governors demand

The governors of Bauchi and Kano States, along with the Arewa Consultative Forum, are calling for the release of minors currently on trial for treason in Abuja. Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has instructed the state Attorney General to seek their release after they were arrested during #EndBadGovernance protests in Kano and Kaduna from August 1 to 10.

Information Commissioner Baba Halilu Dantiye confirmed that the governor made this request via social media, expressing concern over the appearance of teenagers in court. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had arraigned 76 protesters, including 32 minors, on multiple charges, including treason. The minors pleaded not guilty and were granted bail set at 10 million naira each.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State criticized the treatment of these minors, highlighting their malnourished state and urging a more compassionate approach, given the economic hardships many families face. He emphasized the need for unity among northern leaders and called for their immediate release.

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Legal experts have expressed differing views on the minors’ arraignment. Some argue that the children should not be treated like adults under the law and should be released to guardians instead of facing lengthy detention. They stress that the charges are inappropriate given the children’s ages, and the prosecution lacks justification.

The National Human Rights Commission condemned the actions of the police and the courts, arguing that the treatment of these minors violates several national and international laws designed to protect children’s rights. They criticized the harsh bail conditions and the potential psychological harm from such proceedings.

The Arewa Consultative Forum condemned the trial as a “sham” and called for an immediate halt to the proceedings, along with an investigation into the treatment of the protesters. They demanded compensation for their unjust detention and access to medical and psychological care.