“Court Pardons Teen Scrap Collector” — Orders 16-Year-Old’s Return To Kano, Condemns Police Abuse

Chief Magistrate Okeke Jacinta of the Gwagwalada Magisterial District has pardoned 16-year-old Bashir Magaji, who faced charges of criminal conspiracy and theft.

This decision comes amid rising concerns over the arrests of young individuals involved in scavenging for scrap metal, a practice locally known as “Baban Bola.”

The Chief Magistrate’s ruling highlights the urgent need for social intervention and legal reform to address the underlying issues contributing to youth criminality in the Area Council.

Chief Magistrate Jacinta emphasized the alarming trend of physical abuse inflicted on defendants by community police and condemned the practice of jungle justice, which is contrary to Nigerian law.

She called for the Nigerian Bar Association members, including N.D. Abdulsalam, Mukoro Leslie Esq., and Christy Oboh Esq., to assist in facilitating Bashir Magaji’s safe return to his family in Kano State.

The Chief Magistrate also directed the police to ensure proper communication with Magaji’s family prior to his departure.

In her admonition to the teenager, the Chief Magistrate urged him to pursue legitimate means of livelihood and to avoid further criminal activities.

She also highlighted the pressing need for advocacy regarding the welfare of vulnerable individuals in the Area Council, calling for an end to the abandonment of destitute persons and the establishment of a task force committee to address these issues.

Legal expert N.D. Abdulsalam praised the Chief Magistrate for her judicial acumen and thoughtful handling of the case, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts to support at-risk youth in the community.