In a significant gesture of compassion and justice, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, officially handed over four minors who had been detained by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to the governors of their respective states.
The handover ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a move that follows widespread public outrage over the minors’ treatment and subsequent detention.
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State received the freed minors, both aged between 14 and 17, who had been involved in a protest demanding an end to bad governance.
The minors were part of a group of 76 individuals arrested and charged by the NPF. However, following a medical crisis in which four of the minors fainted during a court appearance last Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of charges against them and called for a thorough investigation into their arrest.
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“The President’s swift intervention in ensuring the release of these minors is a testament to his compassionate leadership and commitment to protecting the rights of the young ones,” Vice President Shettima remarked during the handover, adding that he was proud to represent the government in delivering justice for the minors.
The ceremony was attended by key ministers including Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education; Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction; Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment; and Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.
Also present were Senior Special Assistant on Community Engagement for the Northwest, Abdullahi Yakasai, as well as lawmakers including Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi.
The minors’ case attracted national attention after images of them appearing weak and malnourished circulated widely, prompting widespread condemnation from human rights groups and members of the public.
In response to the public outcry, Attorney-General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, took charge of the case and moved to discontinue the charges, citing provisions under the Nigerian Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, presented the motion to discontinue the case in the interest of justice, which was approved by the court.
The DPP also requested that the proceedings be held in absentia of the minors, in line with child protection laws.
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Human rights attorney Femi Falana, SAN, and other defense lawyers expressed no opposition to the application, which led to the dismissal of charges by Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court.
In a statement following the handover, President Tinubu reiterated the importance of upholding the rights of minors, particularly in the context of protests, while assuring the nation that the government would ensure justice for those affected by wrongful actions.
