Headlines
EndBadGovernance protest: Kwankwaso slams police over arraignment of minors
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Former Governor of Kano state, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned the recent arraignment of 67 minors by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja for allegedly participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso voiced out his concern in a statement shared on his X handle on Friday
Expressing shock at the development, the NNPP leader voiced grave concern over the treatment of the children.
Kwankwaso highlighted their malnourished condition and urgent need for medical care.
“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.
“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.
He stressed that it is the government’s responsibility to protect vulnerable groups from harm.
He stated, “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.”
Speaking on the stringent bail conditions set for the minors, he said, “It is absurd that a teenager is required to find ₦10 million and a Grade 15 civil servant as bail surety.”
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.”
Calling for immediate action, he urged authorities to reconsider the charges.
“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.
He also called on the Federal Government “to address the challenges of banditry, kidnapping, Boko Haram, lack of stable electricity, and harsh economic policies rather than incarcerating children.”
Earlier, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, some minors arraigned over the #EndBadGovernance protest collapsed in the courtroom, many appearing visibly malnourished after three months of incarceration.
Following their arraignment, Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja granted bail to the #EndBadGovernance protesters, setting each bail at ₦10 million, totalling ₦760 million.
Each defendant is required to have two sureties. The judge specified that one surety must be a Level 15 civil servant, and the other must be the defendant’s parent.
The sureties are also required to submit letters of last promotion, letters of appointment, and valid identification to the court.
They must provide verified addresses, passport photographs, international passports, and swear an affidavit of means.
Headlines
Kano State Head of Service Denies Claims of Political Rift Behind Senior Civil Service Postings
The Office of the Head of Civil Service in Kano State has strongly rejected a recent news report that linked the appointment of new Permanent Secretaries and Directors to an alleged rift within the ruling party.
In a statement issued on November 6, 2024, Abdullahi Musa, the Head of Civil Service, categorically dismissed the claims as “false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”
Musa clarified that the recent postings were part of routine administrative procedures aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the state’s civil service. He explained that the moves were necessary to fill vacancies created by the imminent retirements of senior civil servants, particularly the Permanent Secretaries and Directors affected by the annulled tenure elongation plan, set to take effect in December.
“These postings were not influenced by political considerations or interpersonal conflicts,” Musa emphasized. “They are standard administrative actions designed to improve the functionality of our Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).”
The Head of Service also condemned the media report for suggesting that the reshuffling of senior officials was a reaction to a political divide, asserting that such claims were unfounded and aimed at creating unnecessary discord within the state’s leadership.
Musa reaffirmed that the civil service in Kano State remains apolitical and committed to functioning independently of political dynamics. He urged the public and media outlets to rely on verified information and avoid spreading rumors that could undermine the state’s stability.
“The Office of the Head of Civil Service remains fully committed to ensuring the smooth operation of the civil service and fostering a harmonious relationship among all branches of government,” he concluded.
Musa also called on media outlets and citizens to focus on factual reporting and refrain from amplifying false narratives that could erode public trust in the administration’s decisions.
Headlines
Cour order mental evaluation for Kano woman after strange theft case testimony
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano Woman Facing Theft Charges Claims She’s “Above Theft,” Demands 200,000 Naira, and Alleges Stolen Belongings Taken from Her Stomach.
On Tuesday a theft case took an unusual turn at the Sharia Court in Kano’s Kurna area after the defendant, Hajara Ibrahim, made a series of perplexing statements, leading the court to order a mental health evaluation.
Hajara, who was brought before the court on theft charges, declared that she was “above committing theft” and insisted that she would only respond to the accusations if her case were taken before the Emir of Kano.
As the proceedings continued, her behavior grew stranger.
When asked if she had any mental health issues, she ignored the question.
In another exchange, when the judge asked her to identify the ceiling fans in the courtroom, she retorted that no one had the authority to make her look at a fan.
Hajara further shocked the court by demanding 200,000 Naira for “medical expenses” and claimed that some of her belongings had been mysteriously taken from her stomach.
The case took a new twist when a man identified himself as Hajara’s brother and told the court that she had a history of mental health issues.
Based on this information and her erratic behavior, presiding judge Shamsudden Ado Abdullahi instructed the court clerk to send a letter to Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital, requesting a mental health assessment for Hajara.
The judge then adjourned the case to December 9, 2024, awaiting the results of her evaluation.
Headlines
Cour order mental evaluation for Kano woman after strange theft case testimony
By Mukhtar Yahya Usman
Kano Woman Facing Theft Charges Claims She’s “Above Theft,” Demands 200,000 Naira, and Alleges Stolen Belongings Taken from Her Stomach.
On Tuesday a theft case took an unusual turn at the Sharia Court in Kano’s Kurna area after the defendant, Hajara Ibrahim, made a series of perplexing statements, leading the court to order a mental health evaluation.
Hajara, who was brought before the court on theft charges, declared that she was “above committing theft” and insisted that she would only respond to the accusations if her case were taken before the Emir of Kano.
As the proceedings continued, her behavior grew stranger.
When asked if she had any mental health issues, she ignored the question.
In another exchange, when the judge asked her to identify the ceiling fans in the courtroom, she retorted that no one had the authority to make her look at a fan.
Hajara further shocked the court by demanding 200,000 Naira for “medical expenses” and claimed that some of her belongings had been mysteriously taken from her stomach.
The case took a new twist when a man identified himself as Hajara’s brother and told the court that she had a history of mental health issues.
Based on this information and her erratic behavior, presiding judge Shamsudden Ado Abdullahi instructed the court clerk to send a letter to Dawanau Psychiatric Hospital, requesting a mental health assessment for Hajara.
The judge then adjourned the case to December 9, 2024, awaiting the results of her evaluation.