Kaduna government gifts N100k and smartphone each to 39 released #EndBadGovernance protesters

The Kaduna State Government under the leadership of Sani Uba has gifted mobile phones and a sum of N100,000 to each of the newly released #EndBadGovernance protesters in the state.

This was as the government reunited them with their families on Wednesday, after being released from detention.

The reunion ceremony took place at the Children Homes along Kauru Road in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani pledged support for the protesters, promising to help them reintegrate into society.

He assured them of empowerment opportunities, provided they committed to lawful and responsible conduct.

The protesters including minors were granted freedom on Tuesday after a Federal High Court in Abuja struck out treasonous charges brought against them by the Nigerian Government.

This followed an application by the Attorney General of the Federation’s office to withdraw the charges after the arraignment of minors generated public outrage and national and international embarrassment.

The protesters were detained for three months following their alleged participation in the nationwide protests.

Their freedom was pronounced by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, who struck out the case after he granted the application by M.D Abubakar, counsel for the AGF, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

Speaking on behalf of the governor, Dr. Abdulkadir Muazu Meyere, Secretary to the Kaduna State Government, mentioned that the governor instructed him to collect credentials from those who had completed their tertiary education.

“The Governor promised that some of them will receive start-up capital for trading, others will receive skills training, and some will be offered employment,” Meyere said.

The government will monitor the conduct of each child, extending these benefits based on good behavior. Contact details, including addresses, phone numbers, and next-of-kin information, were recorded for easy tracking and follow-up.

Upon release, each child underwent a medical examination and received psycho-social counseling, focusing on personal development and community contribution. Religious leaders from both Islamic and Christian communities also counseled the children, emphasizing the importance of faith and the dangers of negative influences.

Meyere explained that the children were provided with phones, as they had lost theirs during detention, and that “the Governor graciously granted each of them N100,000 as a measure of goodwill.”