The Federal High Court in Abuja has discharged and acquitted 71 teenagers from Kano State who were arrested in connection with the August 2024 EndBadGovernance protest.
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.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has remained committed to securing the teenagers’ freedom, pledging to pursue every legal option for their release.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, 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“The Federal Government has today withdrawn the treason charges against the minors, who were primarily from Kano State,” stated Barrister Suleiman Dantsoho, one of the lawyers representing the teenagers.
Later today, the teenagers are scheduled to be formally handed over to Governor Yusuf by Vice President Kashim Shettima, after which they will return to Kano via Max Air.
This decision highlights the importance of protecting individual rights, particularly those of minors, and the role of legal advocacy in challenging injustice.