The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kano State branch, has condemned the alleged exploitation of children by a man identified as Mr. Nagwale, calling for his immediate arrest and prosecution.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Barrister Fatima Ahmad, the association accused the suspect of using children to hawk aphrodisiac products around Zoo Road, near Massallacin Murtala in Kano.
FIDA said the act, captured in a viral video, exposes the children to “exploitative, inappropriate, and harmful conditions.”
The statement read, “FIDA Nigeria, Kano State Branch strongly condemns the actions of one Mr. Nagwale… for gross child exploitation. He has been captured in video evidence using children to hawk aphrodisiac products, thereby exposing them to exploitative, inappropriate, and harmful conditions.”
The group noted that the alleged act contravenes provisions of the Child Protection Law, including Section 21 on the prohibition of child labour exploitation, Section 22 on child hawking, and Sections 23 and 24 which prohibit sexual exploitation and exposure of children to indecent environments.
Describing the act as “unlawful, abusive, and a serious threat to the dignity, safety, and welfare of children,” FIDA called on relevant authorities to act without delay.
“We therefore demand urgent action: immediate investigation and arrest of the suspect, and swift prosecution upon confirmation,” the statement added.
The organisation also urged the Kano State Police Command and the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs Children and Persons with Special Needs to intervene promptly.
FIDA emphasised that the protection of children remains a fundamental responsibility of the state.
“The protection of children is a primary responsibility of the State, and all relevant authorities are duty-bound to ensure that no child is subjected to exploitation, abuse, or harmful labour,” the statement said.
Copies of the complaint were also sent to the Commissioner for Women Affairs, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Kano State Ministry of Justice, and the North-West Zonal Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
