A Kano State Mobile Court has ordered the detention of 632 individuals accused of vandalism during the recent nationwide #Endbadgovernance protests.
The protesters face several charges, including criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, incitement to disturbance, trespassing, and arson.
The court session, presided over by Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, Senior Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu-Bello, and Chief Magistrate Abba Muttaka-Dandago, has been adjourned to August 19 for further hearings.
State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Salisu Tahir reported that the alleged offences took place on August 1. He accused the defendants of damaging government and public properties, looting shops, and causing chaos during the #Endbadgovernance demonstrations.
The DPP stated that these actions violate sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349, and 247 of the Penal Code.
While some of the accused pleaded guilty, others maintained their innocence.
Following the proceedings, State Attorney General Haruna Isa-Dederi announced that the Kano State Government has established three mobile courts to manage the large number of defendants. He also requested the Chief Judge of Kano State to set up three Special Courts within the state police command to handle the case load efficiently.
Isa-Dederi added that the Ministry of Justice will review the case details and provide further guidance before the next court date.
