The Yobe State Police Command has denied allegations of detaining minors in connection with the August 1 protests that erupted across various towns over economic hardships.
The protests, marked by incidents of unrest, occurred in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru, resulting in a swift police response.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the spokesperson for the Yobe Command, clarified on Tuesday that although numerous individuals were apprehended in relation to the protests, no minors were detained.
According to Abdulkarim, a total of 108 suspects were initially arrested on August 4, but 40 minors among them were immediately released without charges, while the remaining adults faced court proceedings.
“Sixty-eight of the protesters were charged with civil disturbances and other related offenses in courts of competent jurisdiction,” Abdulkarim explained.
“They were convicted for these offenses but subsequently received pardons from the state government.”
The police have since cautioned the parents and guardians of those convicted, emphasizing the need to prevent any recurrence of unlawful activities. Abdulkarim noted that the Command remains vigilant in addressing civil unrest while ensuring that young individuals are not wrongfully held accountable in such situations.
