Lawyers write Sokoto AG over detention of 15 protesters

Lawyers under the auspices of Deji Adeyanju & Partners have requested the intervention of the Attorney-General of Sokoto State over the detention of protesters from Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) since August 24, 2024.

The detained protesters include Samaila M. Isa, Jamilu Lawali, Isaka Hamdin, Abdulmajid Yahya, Zalewanu Yusuf, Musa Umar, Kabiru Usman, Usman Garba, Aliyu Usman, Sanusi Salihu, Suleman Shu’aibu, Nafiu Adamu, Mashakur Shu’aibu, Ibrahim Haruna, and Abdulwahab Hassan.

The law firm, in a letter addressed to the Attorney-General of the state and signed by Deji Adeyanju, stated that it recognises and supports the government’s role in maintaining law and order but believes the arrested individuals were merely exercising their fundamental right to protest.

The letter read: “We act as solicitors to the persons whose names are listed in the attached schedule to this letter (hereinafter referred to as our clients) on whose instruction we act.
“We respectfully write to bring to your attention and seek your esteemed intervention regarding the tragic killing of Alhaji Mohammed Isa Bawa, a district head in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, who was killed by kidnappers on August 21, 2024, and the subsequent arrest and detention of fifteen (15) youths from the community who participated in a protest against the incident.
“The killing of the district head caused outrage in the community, leading a group of youths to organise a peaceful protest on August 23, 2024.

“While we recognise and support the government’s role in maintaining law and order, we believe that the arrested individuals were merely expressing their fundamental right to protest.
“It is in light of the foregoing that we request your intervention to secure the release of these individuals who have been in custody since August 24, 2024.”