The Kano State Justice for Children Coordination Forum says it diverted 24 children in conflict with the law in July under its child-friendly justice program aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.
Chairman of the forum and Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Kano State Ministry of Justice, Mr Salisu Tahir, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists after the forum’s monthly meeting in Kano.
Represented by the ministry’s Director of Public Prosecution, Abdullahi Ibrahim-Muhammad, Tahir said the figure was contained in the forum’s monthly progress report on diversion cases.
He explained that diversion is an alternative justice mechanism that redirects children away from formal court proceedings and punitive sanctions through counseling, education, rehabilitation and community service.
According to him, the forum brings together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, the Judiciary, the Nigeria Police Force, the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), the Ministry of Women Affairs, and the National Human Rights Commission.
Other members include the Kano State Hisbah Board, Ministry of Education, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the media.
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Tahir said the Ministry of Justice handled 18 of the 24 diversion cases, all referred by four magistrates designated to preside over juvenile-related matters.
He added that the Kano State Hisbah Board managed the remaining six cases, reuniting three children with their families, transferring two to the police and releasing one unconditionally.
According to him, the program is designed to help children learn from their mistakes, reintegrate into society and avoid the long-term consequences of acquiring criminal records.
“The diversion program focuses on rehabilitation and offers children in conflict with the law a second chance rather than punishment,” he said.
Tahir said the initiative is being implemented by the Kano State Ministry of Justice with support from the UNICEF Kano Field Office to strengthen access to child-friendly justice services across the state.
He added that the program is anchored on international standards for handling children in conflict with the law and promotes evidence-based diversion and restorative justice practices.
