EndBadGovernance: Gov Yusuf, Falana receive 71 Kano minors from court

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has received the 71 teenagers who were arrested and charged with treasonable felony for taking part in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest in Kano.

Governor Yusuf, alongside his legal team led by human rights activist Chief Femi Falana, received the minors on Tuesday in Abuja after they were discharged and acquitted by a Federal High Court in the capital city.

Recall that the minors, who were arraigned before the High Court last week were part of those who flew Russian flags in Kano during the protest.

Some of them, who were said to have been left hungry and malnourished in detention since August, collapsed in open court, a development that raised public concern.

A statement by Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Tuesday, said the governor expressed gratitude for the collective efforts of human rights advocates, including renowned lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and others who fought tirelessly to secure the release of the teenagers.

Prior to the release of the minors from Kano, Yusuf had earlier vowed his unwavering commitment to securing the release of the teenagers, seeking all legal avenues to ensure their freedom.

One of the legal team members from Kano, Barr. Suleiman Dantsoho, said the Federal Government had withdrawn the treason charges against the minors, who were primarily from Kano State.

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While describing the development as a victory for justice and human dignity, Barr. Dantsoho also applauded Governor Yusuf for his commitment and instrumental role in securing the freedom of the teenagers.

“We commend Governor Abba Yusuf for his unwavering support and commitment to human rights and the dignity of his people,” he said.

The teenagers are set to be formally handed over to Governor Yusuf by Vice President Kashim Shettima later today, before being flown back to Kano via Max Air.

This landmark decision underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals, especially minors, and demonstrates the power of legal advocacy in the face of injustice.