#EndBadGovernance: Kano Govt assures of reintegration for 73 released minors, as court strikes out treason charges

…Tinubu’s decision to release protesters driven by compassion — VP Shettima

…Ali Ndume calls for compensation for wrongfully arrested minors, not rehabilitation

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Monday, has assured the public of a smooth reintegration process for the 73 minors released from detention following their involvement in the August #EndBadGovernance protests.

The minors, who were part of the 124 protesters detained in connection with the nationwide protests, were freed on Monday after the Federal High Court in Abuja struck out treason charges against them.

The ruling came after the AGF, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, informed the court that the federal government had decided to discontinue the case.

The AGF cited Sections 174(1)(b) and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, which allow for the withdrawal of charges.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who presided over the case, granted the AGF’s request and struck out the charges, ordering the immediate release of the detained protesters, who had been held at Kuje Prison.

The minors, some of whom had appeared in court visibly malnourished, were particularly impacted by the prolonged detention.

Recall that the protesters, most of whom are minors, had been arrested after participating in the nationwide protests demanding an end to bad governance. In court last Friday, four minors had fainted due to apparent malnutrition and exhaustion, prompting the judge to pause proceedings for their medical attention.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf thanked President Tinubu for his magnanimous decision to free the minors, which he described as a “compassionate gesture toward the youth of Kano State.”

The Governor noted that the President’s action demonstrated empathy and a commitment to justice, providing the minors with a chance to rebuild their lives.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his compassion in responding to the appeals from various stakeholders within and outside Nigeria,” Governor Yusuf said.

“Mr. President has demonstrated remarkable empathy and commitment to justice, and we truly appreciate his gesture.”

The 73 minors, released from detention, will be flown back to Kano, where they will undergo medical evaluations and necessary treatment. Following this, they will be reunited with their families. Governor Yusuf reassured that the state government would ensure the minors’ reintegration into society by providing opportunities for education and personal development.

“In light of the gravity of the charges, we recognise the importance of offering these children a second chance. While their actions were regrettable, their status as minors should not deny them the opportunity to rehabilitate and contribute positively to society,” Governor Yusuf stated.

A team of medical professionals has been assigned to assess the physical and mental health of the minors before they are reintegrated into their communities.

The Governor emphasised the need for continued support to help the children lead normal, productive lives.

During the handover at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Kashim Shettima highlighted the humanitarian nature of President Tinubu’s decision, which followed appeals from various groups.

“A total of 119 teenagers were detained in relation to the protests, which caused over 3 billion naira in losses. Of these, 76 were from Kano, and 73 have now been handed over to Governor Yusuf,” Shettima explained.

He added that some of the minors had already been reunited with their families, and others from different states, including 39 from Kaduna, had also been handed over to their respective governors.

Governor Yusuf assured that his administration would continue to monitor the well-being of the freed minors and provide necessary support to help them adjust and contribute positively to society.

President Bola Tinubu’s decision to release 124 detained protesters, including several minors, involved in the August #EndBadGovernance protests was motivated by “compassionate grounds,” according to Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony at the Presidential Villa, Shettima stressed that the President’s directive was rooted in a desire to give the young protesters a chance to reform and contribute positively to society.

“The President, as the father of the nation, is giving these young men another chance to become responsible citizens,” Shettima remarked, urging the freed minors to channel their energy into nation-building rather than destruction. He added that the minors’ actions, while unlawful, did not define their future, and it was now their responsibility to prove their worth to the country.

The release order, executed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, and upheld by the Federal High Court, saw the minors transferred to their respective state governors. Governors such as Uba Sani of Kaduna and Abba Yusuf of Kano were present to receive the minors at the Villa.

During the ceremony, Shettima acknowledged the significant economic impact of the protests, noting that the unrest had caused an estimated N300 billion in losses due to damage to private property and business disruptions.

He urged the freed minors to use this opportunity wisely and make a positive impact on the nation.

“I urge you, our children, to use the President’s magnanimous gesture wisely and contribute to society’s growth rather than its destruction,” Shettima emphasised.

The Vice President also called on state governors and other political representatives to collaborate in the rehabilitation of the released minors, stressing the importance of unity and national cohesion.

“What binds us together as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria supersedes whatever divides us,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has called for compensation, rather than rehabilitation, for minors arrested during the August #EndBadGovernance protests. Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Ndume criticised the government’s decision to rehabilitate the detained minors, arguing that they were wrongfully arrested in the first place.

“These minors are not supposed to have been arrested. It is not an issue of rehabilitation; it is an issue of compensation because they have been wronged,” Ndume stated.

He emphasised that their rights had been violated, and the government should apologise and offer financial compensation to help them restart their lives.

The lawmaker’s comments came in response to President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive to release all minors detained in connection with the protests.

While acknowledging that the protests led to significant financial losses, Ndume underscored that the minors, given their status, should not have been detained or treated as adults in the legal process.

“I’m not saying that they are all right, but these are minors,” Ndume added, urging the government to consider their age and the circumstances of their arrest.

Ndume also expressed his belief that President Tinubu, who has long championed democracy, should not support government actions that are deemed unjust or unacceptable by Nigerians.