VP Shettima Hands Over 71 Teenage Protesters To Kano Gov Yusuf

By Ayodele Oni

Vice President, Kashim Shettima will formally hand over to Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, the 71 teenagers arrested in the State during the #EndBadGovernance protest.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Tuesday, discharged and acquitted the 71 teenagers from Kano State, who were arrested in connection with the August 2024 EndBadGovernance protest.

President Bola Tinubu had on Monday ordered the release of the teenagers following public outcry against their detention.

The teenagers, accused of treasonable felony after being found with Russian flags, were cleared of all charges, marking a success for advocates who argued that their arrest was a violation of their rights.

The teenagers are to be flown to Kano immediately their release formalities are completed.

A statement by the Governor’s  spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, stated that Governor Yusuf has remained committed to securing the teenagers’ freedom, pledging to pursue every legal option for their release.

“Governor Yusuf acknowledged the efforts of human rights advocates, including lawyer Femi Falana SAN, and other legal teams who defended the minors’ rights.”

“The Federal Government has today withdrawn the treason charges against the minors, who were primarily from Kano State,” stated Barrister Suleiman Dantsoho, one of the lawyers representing the teenagers.

“This decision highlights the importance of protecting individual rights, particularly those of minors, and the role of legal advocacy in challenging injustice.”