Governors, Arewa Forum Demand Release of Minors Charged with Treason

The governors of Bauchi and Kano States, along with the Arewa Consultative Forum, are demanding the release of minors facing trial for treason in the Abuja Federal High Court.

The minors were among 76 #EndBadGovernance protesters arraigned by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on charges including treason and intent to destabilize Nigeria.

Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed his state’s Attorney General to secure the minors’ release. Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed expressed concern, stating that the children’s visible devastation, hunger, and malnourishment reflect harsh treatment.

He advocated for their immediate release, citing severe economic hardship and inflation.

Senior lawyers have expressed divergent opinions, with some arguing that the children should not have been arraigned due to their age and others claiming it’s lawful to charge children between 8-12 years old. The National Human Rights Commission condemned the arraignment, citing excessive and inappropriate use of state institutions against citizens, particularly children.

The Arewa Consultative Forum labeled the trial a “sham” and demanded the protesters’ release, compensation, and medical examination. Women Aid Collective Nigeria urged the government to redirect minors from formal judicial processes and separate children from adults in detention facilities.