632 protesters have been remanded by a Kano State Mobile Court for alleged vandalism of public and government properties during the #EndBadGovernance nationwide planned protest in the state, News About Nigeria reports.
It was gathered that the protesters were remanded on Tuesday and were charged with criminal conspiracy, theft, unlawful assembly, inciting disturbance, trespass, and mischief by fire.
The Court was presided over by three senior judicial officers, Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Mansur-Yola, Senior Magistrate Hadiza Rabiu-Bello, and Chief Magistrate Abba Muttaka-Dandago, respectively.
Speaking earlier, the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Salisu Tahir, informed the court that the defendants committed the alleged offences on August 1.
He alleged that on the same date, the defendants, during the nationwide protest, trespassed and vandalised several government and public properties in the state, adding that the offences contravened the provisions of sections 97, 287, 229, 336, 349, and 247 of the Penal Code.
“The defendants broke into people’s shops and looted their goods,” the DPP stated.
Also speaking, the State Attorney General, Mr. Haruna Isa-Dederi, said the state government has constituted three mobile courts to prosecute the defendants after the court sitting.
He noted that the case diary would be studied and appropriate advice given by the Ministry of Justice before the next adjourned date.
“I pleaded with the Kano State Chief Judge to allow the constitution of three special courts within the premises of the state police command because of the number of defendants involved,” he said.
The court has, however, adjourned sitting until August 19, when it will reconvene for a hearing.
