Kano court jails 632 protesters amid nationwide outcry
By Uzair Adam
A Kano State Mobile Court ordered the remand of 632 protesters for alleged vandalism of public and government properties during the “Endbadgovernance” nationwide protest.
The charges against the defendants include criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, trespass, and mischief by fire.
The court session was overseen by Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, Senior Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu-Bello, and Chief Magistrate Abba Muttaka-Dandago.
The court adjourned the hearing to August 19.
State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Salisu Tahir stated that the defendants committed the alleged offenses on August 1.
He claimed that during the protest, the defendants trespassed, vandalized government and public properties, broke into shops, and looted goods.
The prosecutor noted that the charges violate sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349, and 247 of the Penal Code.
While some defendants pleaded guilty, others maintained their innocence.
State Attorney General Haruna Isa-Dederi told reporters that three mobile courts were set up to handle the large number of defendants.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Justice would review the case diary and provide appropriate advice before the next court session.