In a growing outcry over the treatment of minors facing treason charges in Abuja, the governors of Bauchi and Kano States, along with the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), are demanding their immediate release. The minors were among 76 protesters arrested during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in Kano and Kaduna from August 1 to 10.
Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has instructed the state Attorney General to take swift action to secure the minors’ release, as confirmed by the state’s Commissioner of Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye. The children, who were part of a larger group arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, appeared visibly malnourished, prompting outrage from civil society groups advocating for their unconditional release.
The protesters, including 32 children, faced a 10-count charge that included treason and inciting mutiny by allegedly calling for military intervention against President Bola Tinubu’s government. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail set at N10 million each.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that the Northern region must “wake up” to the challenges facing its youth. He condemned the visible signs of malnourishment and suffering among the detained children, emphasizing the need for good governance and unity among Northern leaders.
“My attention has been drawn to the appearance of teenagers (some believed to be from Kano) in court today (Friday) in Abuja,” he noted. “It is unreasonable to demand ten million naira in bail from those struggling to afford even one meal a day. Instead, I appeal for leniency, especially for those proven innocent.”
According to PUNCH Newspaper, Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter, with Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN) criticizing the treatment of the minors and questioning the legality of their detention. He emphasized that children should not be subjected to prolonged custody for offenses that do not warrant such measures, urging for their release to responsible guardians.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) echoed these sentiments, arguing that the government has failed to justify the treason charges against the minors. He called for the Federal Government to withdraw the charges, citing principles of federalism and the need for proper legal processes to be followed.