Two Men Sentenced to Nine Years for Supplying Drugs to Children in Kano

By Benson Daniel

Two men have been sentenced to nine years in prison each for supplying intoxicating substances to vulnerable children in Kano State.

The convicts, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, also known as Mani, were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society and administering intoxicating substances.

They were convicted by Magistrate Muhammad Alhaji Sani of Magistrate Court Number 44, Gwammaja, Kano, under Sections 97, 97A and 249 of the Penal Code.

The Kano State Multi Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking said the court imposed a cumulative nine year prison sentence on each of the men without an option of fine. The sentences are to run consecutively.

The court further directed that each year of the sentence must be served as a full 12 calendar months.

The conviction followed an investigation into the alleged exposure of vulnerable children to intoxicating substances in the Race Course area of Kano.

The investigation began after 43 children, most of them underage, were rescued from the area.

According to the findings of the investigation, some of the children involved in street based scavenging were allegedly supplied with rubber solution and other harmful substances instead of receiving proper payment for their services.

The practice exposed the children to substance abuse while further worsening their vulnerability and placing them at greater risk of exploitation.

Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji, described the conviction as a clear indication of the government’s determination to tackle the exploitation of children and the distribution of intoxicating substances.

He said enforcement would remain a major part of the Task Force’s efforts, warning that individuals found supplying intoxicants to children or encouraging drug abuse would face investigation and prosecution.

The Task Force is also implementing a wider initiative aimed at removing 10,000 vulnerable youths from the streets, particularly those exposed to substance abuse and other dangerous influences.

Under the programme, rescued youths are expected to undergo medical and psychosocial assessments to determine the nature of assistance required.

Those requiring treatment will be provided with appropriate interventions, while others will be supported through rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration into their communities.

The initiative is designed not only to take vulnerable young people off the streets but also to help them recover from harmful experiences, acquire practical skills and regain a productive place within society.

Magaji urged parents, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen their efforts to protect children and young people from substance abuse and exploitation.

He stressed that tackling drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires sustained cooperation between government agencies, families and communities.

The Task Force also called on residents to remain vigilant and report cases involving the exploitation of children or the distribution of intoxicating substances to vulnerable young people.