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Northern Youth Assembly Calls for Immediate Release of Minors Charged During Protest

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The Northern Youth Assembly (Majalisar Matasan Arewa) has called for the immediate withdrawal of all charges and the unconditional release of minors alleged to have raised foreign flags during an “End Bad Governance” protest in Nigeria. The protest took place from August 1 to 10, 2024, across the country.

In a press release issued which was signed by Dr. Ali Idris Mohammed, President of the Northern Youth Assembly, and Dr. Garba Abdulhafiz, Secretary General.the Assembly, representing the nineteen northern states chapters, expressed their dismay over a viral video showing underage children looking hungry, depressed, and malnourished, arraigned before the high court in Abuja. “It is our adamant belief that the event at the court was nothing but yet an additional damage done on the little integrity left of the Nigerian Judiciary, and the Nigerian criminal administration system, as a whole,” the statement read.

The assembly criticized the continued detention of the minors by federal government authorities, describing it as a blatant disregard for the provisions of Nigerian criminal law, which mandates that all criminal cases must be presented before the courts within 48 hours. “The continued detention of those helpless and poor children by the Federal Government authorities is not only a blatant disregard to the provisions of the laws of the land but also a deliberate scheme to destroy the future of those young people or even jeopardize their lives,” the statement added.

The Northern Youth Assembly highlighted that raising foreign flags during protests is a global practice, indicating citizens’ dissatisfaction with their government. “It is our understanding that this Government has assumed the status of an undemocratic regime which has no regard for the written or extant laws of the land,” the assembly stated.

The assembly also referenced a recent protest led by Yoruba Nation advocate Mr. Sunday Igboho in London, where no arrests were made despite the gravity of the actions. “Except for some minors who raised some foreign flags at the behest of the mastermind and sponsors, none has also been arrested or exposed by the Nigerian security operatives,” the statement noted.

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The APC government began the trial of minors arrested in August for participating in the protest against poor governance. The assembly described the sight of malnourished young protesters collapsing in court due to severe hunger and sickness after over 90 days of detention as an affront to the criminal justice system, humanity, and democracy. “It is both unacceptable and deeply disquieting that children, minors, and young Nigerians have been held since August on the allegation that they had sought to destabilize the government,” the statement emphasized.

The Northern Youth Assembly implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order the withdrawal of all charges and the release of the minors unconditionally. “We wish to implore His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to order the withdrawal of all the charges and the release of those boys unconditionally, to avoid further embarrassment to the Government and to the Nigerian criminal justice system,” the statement concluded.

 

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Breaking: Tinubu Orders Release of Minors Arrested Over Endbadgovernance Protest

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President Bola Ahmad Tinubu

President Tinubu Orders release of all minors who participated in the Endbadgovernance protest .

 

The minister of information and national orientation Muhammad Idris stated this to state House correspondents.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, on Monday.

The Minister was flanked by the Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy; Sunday Dare, Special Adviser on Public Communications and orientation.

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Idris stated that the President has instructed the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to begin the process of securing the minors’ release without delay.

“The President has directed that all minors be released on the and also reunited with their families anywhere they are in the country. A committee has been set up to look at the issues surrounding their arrest, detention and release. All the law enforcement agents related to the case will be investigated and anyone found wanting will be brought to book,” he said.

 

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76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

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The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

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“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

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ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

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Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

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