Two intoxicant suppliers jailed by Kano drug task force

Kano State Multi-Agencies Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has secured the conviction of two men for supplying rubber solution and other intoxicating substances to vulnerable underage children in the state.

The convicts, Kabiru Isa, also known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, also known as Mani, were sentenced by Muhammad Alhaji Sani of Magistrate Court No. 44, Gwammaja, Kano.

They were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society and administering intoxicating substances, contrary to Sections 97, 97A and 249 of the Penal Code.

This was contained in a statement by Comrade Lamara Garba, member of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Kano State Multi-Agencies Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Kano.

The court imposed a cumulative nine-year jail term on each convict without an option of a fine, with the sentences to run consecutively.

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

The conviction followed investigations by the Task Force, led by it’s chairman, Muhuyi Magaji, into the exposure of vulnerable children to intoxicating substances around the Race Course area of Kano.

The task force had rescued 43 children, most of them underage, from the area. Some of the children were indigenes of Kano, while others had reportedly travelled to the state from different parts of the country and become trapped in street life.

Investigations by the agency revealed that some children engaged in street-based scavenging were allegedly supplied with rubber solution and other harmful substances instead of being properly paid for their services.

According to the Task Force, the practice not only exposed the children to substance abuse but also increased their vulnerability to exploitation.

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The conviction, it said, demonstrated its determination to dismantle activities and networks involved in exploiting children and exposing young people to harmful substances.

The task force said enforcement would remain a key component of its mandate, warning that individuals or groups involved in supplying intoxicants to children, exploiting vulnerable youths or encouraging drug abuse will be identified, investigated, arrested and prosecuted.

Beyond prosecution, the Task Force said it was pursuing a broader initiative aimed at taking 10,000 vulnerable youths off the streets and providing them with opportunities for recovery and productive lives.

Under the initiative, the youth will undergo medical and psychosocial assessments, with those requiring treatment receiving appropriate interventions.

Others will be supported through rehabilitation, skills acquisition and eventual reintegration into society.

Speaking on the conviction and the broader intervention, Magaji said the agency will continue to combine enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.

He stressed that vulnerable children and young people affected by substance abuse should not be viewed solely from an enforcement perspective, but should also be protected and given opportunities to recover and rebuild their lives.

Magaji warned that individuals who deliberately exploit children and vulnerable youths for personal gain will be held accountable.

He called on parents, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to protect children and young people from substance abuse.

The Task Force maintained that the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking required the collective efforts of government agencies, parents, communities and other stakeholders.

It warned that the streets must not become breeding grounds for the exploitation of children, assuring that those supplying intoxicating substances to vulnerable young people will be pursued and prosecuted in accordance with the law.