Breaking Chains
Enhancing Access to Justice for Children on the Move in Northern Nigeria
In the heart of northern Nigeria, where the challenges faced by children on the move are often compounded by a lack of access to justice, a glimmer of hope shines through a transformative initiative that emerged with the collaborative efforts of the European Union (EU), UNICEF, the government, and other partners. The groundbreaking programme aimed at enhancing access to justice for children in selected states in northern Nigeria. The impact of this initiative has been nothing short of remarkable.
As the sun rises over Damaturu, northeast Nigeria, a town once marred and troubled by insurgency now experiences the quiet restoration of hope. Mohammed, an 18-year-old, tends to his father's cattle on the outskirts, savoring the tranquility of a life that was not always so peaceful.
At the age of 16, Mohammed, driven by a desire for quick wealth, abandoned his education and embarked on a journey that led him to the Fagge bridge in Kano, an ad hoc "home" for minors striving to survive. Life seemed somewhat stable until a fateful day when one of Mohammed's companions committed a petty theft, triggering a chain of events that would change their lives forever.
Arrested and detained for nearly a year on charges of criminal robbery, Mohammed and his friends faced an uncertain fate, until the intervention of Faiza, a lawyer at the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON) in Kano, who stepped in, navigating the complex legal terrain, after so much struggles and months of uncertainty, eventual secured their release. Mohammed's story reflects the struggles shared by many children; however, it's just one piece of a larger picture.
If Mohammed's story of leaving home and getting into trouble was bewildering, the case of Usman, who was arrested at his home in Kano for the alleged murder of a policeman shortly after his arrival from Abuja, was equally perplexing for both Usman and his family.
Usman, sharing his harrowing experience, vividly recalls, "I was not in Kano when the incident occurred. During Ramadan, upon my return from Abuja, the police arrested me, shuttling me between the anti-robbery unit and the Criminal Investigation Division for a total of 117 days, without ever pressing charges."
Anatulahi, Usman's sister, adds another layer to the narrative, detailing the toll on their family. "Our mother fell ill from the shock of Usman's arrest and lengthy detention. Despite the lack of evidence, the police continued to detain him, keeping him away from us for nearly a year."
Expressing gratitude, Anatulahi added, "We are thankful to LACON for taking on his case and securing his discharge and acquittal. Without their support, he would still be in custody, as we had no financial means to hire a lawyer." She also added "We hope Usman can go back to school, finish his education, and find a job to support himself, the family, and others."
The period between May 2021 and August 2023 witnessed a significant positive impact on the lives of children in detention across Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Lagos, and Sokoto states. Through the implementation of the EU Access to Justice for Children Programme by UNICEF and its partners, a total of 607 children were either released and reunited with their families or benefited from diversion programmes. These interventions provided children like Mohammed and Usman with a second chance at life, instilling a renewed sense of hope.
