Families of detained minors in Kano and Kaduna states, arrested in August during the #EndBadGovernance protests, have called for justice and the release of their children, whom they say are innocent. These teenagers, accused of treason, face stringent bail conditions of N10 million and two sureties, conditions which their impoverished families cannot meet.
The detention of these minors, some of whom appeared malnourished in court, has stirred outrage across Nigeria and globally. Videos of their arraignment, with reports of them being fed only once daily, have fueled public criticism of the government’s handling of the case.
Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has voiced his support for the detainees, challenging the Federal High Court’s jurisdiction and seeking a shift to the child justice system. The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and various civil society organizations have condemned the stringent bail terms and the "insensitivity" of the government, urging for an immediate, unconditional release of the minors.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed local officials to work towards bringing the detainees back to Kano, while CSOs like CISLAC and Amnesty International Nigeria have demanded their immediate release.
