In a major breakthrough for human rights and justice, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana have successfully secured the release of 71 teenagers from Kano State who were arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State and prominent human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, on Tuesday facilitated the release of 71 teenagers discharged and acquitted by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

The teenagers had been detained in connection with the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest in August 2024.

The teenagers were formally handed over to Governor Yusuf by Vice President Kashim Shettima and subsequently flown back to Kano via Max Air.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to Falana and others who fought tirelessly for the minors’ release.

“The Federal Government has today withdrawn the treason charges against the minors, who were primarily from Kano State,” Yusuf said, hailing the decision as a victory for justice and human dignity.”

Mr. Suleiman Dantsoho, one of the human rights lawyers representing the teenagers, praised Governor Yusuf’s dedication to the cause.

“We commend Governor Abba Yusuf for his unwavering support and commitment to human rights and the dignity of his people,” Dantsoho stated, noting that the Governor’s leadership and advocacy had been instrumental in securing the teenagers’ freedom.

The Federal Government of Nigeria charged the teenagers and others with treason, drawing worldwide condemnation for human rights abuses