Kano state mobile court remands 632 protesters over vandalism charges

On Tuesday, a Kano State Mobile Court ordered the remand of 632 individuals accused of vandalizing public and government properties during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The defendants are charged with criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, trespass, and mischief by fire.

The court proceedings were conducted by Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, Senior Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu-Bello, and Chief Magistrate Abba Muttaka-Dandago. The case has been adjourned to August 19 for further hearing.

State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Salisu Tahir, informed the court that the alleged offenses occurred on August 1, during the #EndBadGovernance protest. He claimed that the defendants trespassed on and vandalized government and public properties, looted goods from shops, and caused widespread damage.

The offenses are said to contravene sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349, and 247 of the Penal Code. While some defendants pleaded guilty, others pleaded not guilty.

Following the court session, State Attorney General Haruna Isa-Dederi explained that the state government established three mobile courts to handle the large number of defendants.

Isa-Dederi noted that the case diaries would be reviewed, and appropriate advice would be provided by the Ministry of Justice before the next hearing date.

(NAN)