A Kano Magistrate Court has sentenced two men to a cumulative nine years in prison each for supplying rubber solution and other intoxicating substances to vulnerable children in the state.
The convicts, Kabiru Isa, alias “Mada” and Usman Hamisu, alias “Mani”, were jailed by *Magistrate Muhammad Alhaji Sani* of Magistrate Court Number 44, Gwammaja, Kano.
According to the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the men were found guilty on three counts: criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society, and administering intoxicating substances. The offences contravene Sections 97, 97A and 249 of the Penal Code.
In a statement signed by Lamara Garba of the Task Force’s Media and Publicity Committee, the court ruled that the nine-year jail term would run consecutively, without an option of fine. It also ordered that each year be served as a full 12 calendar months.
The conviction followed an investigation into the exploitation of children in the Race Course area of Kano.
The Task Force said the case came to light after *43 children, most of them underage*, were rescued from the area. Findings showed that some of the children, who engage in street scavenging, were allegedly paid with rubber solution and other harmful substances instead of cash.
“The development exposed the children to substance abuse and further increased their vulnerability,” the Task Force stated.
*Task Force vows tougher crackdown*
Chairman of the Task Force, *Muhuyi Magaji*, said the judgment reflects the agency’s resolve to go after anyone exploiting children or supplying them with drugs.
“Enforcement will remain a key part of our mandate,” Magaji said. “Anyone found supplying intoxicants to children or encouraging drug abuse will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
Beyond prosecution, the Task Force announced a broader plan to remove 10,000 vulnerable youths from the streets.
Under the initiative, rescued youths will undergo medical and psychosocial assessments. Those in need will receive treatment, while others will be enrolled in rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration programmes.
“The aim is not only to take vulnerable young people off the streets, but also to help them recover, acquire skills and become productive members of society,” Magaji added.
He called on parents, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to join the fight against drug abuse, stressing that it requires a collective effort.
The Task Force urged residents to report any activity involving the exploitation of children or the distribution of intoxicating substances to young people.
