Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso has strongly condemned the stringent bail conditions imposed on 67 minors arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force for their alleged participation in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Friday, Kwankwaso described the requirement for each minor to secure N10 million and a Grade 15 civil servant as a bail surety as “absurd.”
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Kwankwaso expressed his deep concern over the treatment of the minors, who he noted are in a malnourished state and urgently need medical attention. “These children, who are clearly malnourished and in need of medical attention, have been subjected to a cruel experience when they should be in school,” he stated.
He highlighted the unusual nature of such a large number of minors being arraigned, emphasizing that it undermines fundamental human rights and dignity. “The arraignment of such a large number of minors in their states is highly unusual and undermines every tenet of human rights and dignity,” he added.
Stressing the government’s responsibility to protect vulnerable groups, Kwankwaso said, “As leaders, it is our duty to protect the most vulnerable among us, particularly children, women, the elderly, and the needy. The government should not be at the forefront of this violation.”
Citing the Child Rights Act of 2003, he noted, “Section 11 protects the dignity of every child and shields them from any physical, mental, or emotional injury, abuse, neglect, or maltreatment.” He urged authorities to reconsider the charges against the minors. “I request that the relevant authorities immediately review these charges so that the minors can return to their families and become responsible citizens,” he urged.
Kwankwaso also called on the Federal Government to address critical issues such as banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, lack of stable electricity, and harsh economic policies instead of incarcerating children.
Earlier, during their arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja, several minors collapsed in the courtroom, visibly malnourished after three months of incarceration.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to the protesters, setting the bail for each at N10 million, totaling N760 million. Each defendant must secure two sureties, including one Level 15 civil servant and a parent, while providing extensive documentation to the court.
