The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted 71 teenagers from Kano State who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest in August 2024.
The minors, initially charged with treasonable felony for being found with Russian flags during the protest, have been cleared of all accusations, marking a major human rights victory.
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A statement by the government spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, revealed that Governor Abba Yusuf played a crucial role in securing the teenagers’ release, working alongside a legal team led by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, to ensure the young protesters’ freedom.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for the legal team and human rights advocates who supported the cause. “This is a victory for justice and human dignity,” he said.
The teenagers were scheduled to be handed over to Governor Yusuf by Vice President Kashim Shettima later on Tuesday as arrangements have been made to fly them back to Kano where they will be reunited with their families.
LEADERSHIP reports a Federal High Court in Abuja earlier on Tuesday, struck out treason charges against the minors.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu dismissed the case following its formal withdrawal by the Federal Government.
The Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar, representing the AGF, filed for the discontinuation of the case based on constitutional provisions.
The AGF had taken over the case and moved for the charges to be dropped in compliance with Sections 174(1), (b), and (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
