A Minna Senior Magistrate Court in Niger State has remanded 28 suspects accused of thuggery and drug-related offenses during the New Year’s Day celebration. The suspects, residents of Fadikpe and Dutsen Gwari areas in Minna, were arraigned on January 8, 2025, for allegedly wielding dangerous weapons, setting tires ablaze, barricading roads, and disrupting public order.
The accused reportedly escalated the situation by attacking security personnel with stones when they attempted to restore calm. The police prosecutor, Inspector Bello Mohammed, stated that the actions of the suspects contravened multiple laws, including Section 3(b) of the Niger State Law against thuggery, Sections 337 and 97 of the Penal Code, and Section 5(a)(b) of the Indian Hemp Act of 1990.
All 28 suspects pleaded guilty to the charges during the hearing. Inspector Mohammed requested an adjournment to provide evidence to the defense counsel in compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Niger State.
Presiding Magistrate Fati Kabir adjourned the case until February 12, 2025, and ordered the suspects to be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
The incident, which disrupted celebrations and public activities, highlights the ongoing challenges of youth restiveness and drug abuse in Niger State. Residents have called on authorities to intensify efforts in curbing such acts to ensure community safety.
