An investigation into the interception of 59 minors suspected of being trafficked from Kano to Nasarawa State has taken an unexpected turn following an intervention by Senator Sumaila Kawu, who represents Kano South Senatorial District.
The minors, aged between four and 12, were stopped by police operatives on January 6 along the Abuja-Kano route.
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They were being transported in a cramped 15-seater Peugeot J5 bus with registration number KMC 283 ZJ, driven by Idris Usman, with assistance from Al Hassan Ibrahim. The children were reportedly on their way to a male resident in Nasarawa State under unclear circumstances.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, initially described the situation as a potential case of child abuse and trafficking, pointing to the lack of parental consent and proper documentation.
However, the investigation was disrupted when Senator Kawu visited the FCT Police Command, seeking custody of the children. The lawmaker argued that the children’s movement was part of the almajiri system, a cultural practice where children migrate for Islamic education. Kawu promised to return the minors to their families in Kano and criticized the police for mischaracterizing the situation.
“The almajiri system is a legitimate educational tradition within Islam. While it requires regulation, we must avoid misinterpreting such practices as trafficking,” Kawu stated.
As of now, the FCT Police Command has not disclosed whether they will grant the senator’s request to release the children into his custody.
