By BONIFACE AKARAH

The planned release of eight children from Du Merci Children’s Home has again been stalled, with humanitarian advocates accusing officials of the Kano State Government of frustrating a court-backed agreement in what they describe as a continuing breach of the rule of law.

The children, who have been in state custody since 2019, were expected to be handed over on April 15, 2026, following renewed efforts involving the Kano State Ministry of Justice. However, the transfer did not take place, prompting fresh concerns over compliance with an earlier consent judgment.

Emmanuel Ogebe, a lawyer and member of the delegation, said the latest development reflects a troubling pattern.

“This is not just a delay; it is a persistent disregard for a valid court judgment,” he said. “A government cannot sign agreements in court and repeatedly act against them without consequences.”

The dispute dates back to December 25, 2019, when the children were removed from Du Merci Orphanage, triggering a prolonged legal battle that culminated in a March 2025 consent judgment mandating their return.

According to the agreement, the children—initially 16—were to be released on or before March 19, 2025. But that process has faced repeated setbacks.

William Devlin, who was also part of the delegation, described the situation as deeply concerning.

“We came here in good faith to witness compliance with a lawful order,” he said. “What we are seeing instead is a pattern that undermines justice and raises serious questions about accountability.”

He added, “This Is not just about these children; it is about what this signals to the international community regarding respect for the rule of law.”

Efforts to enforce the judgment in March 2025 reportedly broke down after a confrontation involving the Kano State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Amina Sani Abdullahi.

According to accounts provided by the delegation, the commissioner allegedly resisted the handover and made remarks during the encounter.

“You go to hell. You will never get these children,” she was quoted as saying during the earlier attempt, an incident the delegation said was captured on video.

The April 2026 attempt followed fresh assurances that the handover would be supervised by the Ministry of Justice. Representatives of the orphanage, including Mercy Tarfa, attended the meeting alongside legal counsel.

However, the process again collapsed after the children reportedly declined to return to the orphanage during a media-covered session.

“The entire process was abruptly halted after the children were asked, on camera, whether they wanted to go,” Ogebe said. “Moments later, they were taken back into state custody.”

Devlin raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the children’s response.

“We were informed that efforts had been made beforehand to persuade the children not to return,” he said. “That raises serious ethical and legal concerns about the integrity of the process.”

Following the failed handover, the delegation met with the Kano State Attorney General, who, according to them, expressed surprise that the agreement had not been implemented.

“We asked a simple question: how can a government sign a consent judgment and then ignore it?” Ogebe said. “This goes to the heart of Nigeria’s credibility under the law.”

Devlin added that the issue extends beyond the immediate parties involved.

“When court orders are treated this way, it weakens public confidence in the justice system,” he said. “It also sends a troubling message globally.”

The Attorney General reportedly assured the delegation that he would intervene to address the situation.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from the Kano State Government responding to the allegations.