The Kano State Multi-Agency 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 children in the state.
The convicts, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, popularly known as Mani, were sentenced by Magistrate 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.
The court sentenced each of the convicts to a cumulative nine-year term of imprisonment without an option of 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 its Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji, into the exposure of vulnerable children to intoxicating substances in the Race Course area of Kano.
The case arose from the rescue of 43 children, most of them underage, from the area.
According to the Task Force, some of the children are from Kano, while others came from different parts of the country and became vulnerable to the harsh conditions of street life.
Investigations revealed that some children involved in street-based scavenging were allegedly supplied with rubber solution and other harmful substances instead of being properly compensated for their services.
The practice, according to the Task Force, exposed the children to substance abuse and further heightened their vulnerability.
The conviction of the two men, the Task Force said, demonstrates its resolve to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in activities that expose children and other vulnerable persons to substance abuse.
The Task Force said enforcement would remain an important component of its mandate, adding that individuals or groups involved in supplying intoxicating substances to children or encouraging drug abuse would be identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
It, however, stressed that its intervention extends beyond arrest and prosecution.
The rescue of the 43 children forms part of a broader initiative aimed at taking 10,000 vulnerable youths off the streets, particularly those exposed to substance abuse and other harmful influences.
Under the initiative, vulnerable youths will undergo medical and psychosocial assessments to determine their individual needs.
Those requiring treatment will receive appropriate interventions, while others will be supported through rehabilitation, skills acquisition and eventual reintegration into their communities.
The Task Force said the objective was not only to remove vulnerable young people from the streets but also to provide them with opportunities to recover, acquire productive skills and rebuild their lives.
Speaking on the development, the Task Force Chairman, Muhuyi Magaji, said the agency would continue to combine enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.
He emphasised the need to protect children and young people affected by substance abuse, noting that they should be given opportunities to recover and lead productive lives.
Mr Magaji, however, warned that individuals who deliberately exploit the vulnerability of children and young people for personal gain would be held accountable under the law.
The Task Force called on parents, community leaders, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to protect children and young people from substance abuse.
It also stressed that the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires the collective efforts of government agencies, families, communities and other stakeholders.
The Task Force reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and young people while ensuring that those who exploit them or expose them to harmful substances face the consequences of their actions.