The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an investigation into allegations of mistreatment of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
PUNCH Online reports that on Friday, 76 suspects, mostly minors who appeared malnourished, were arraigned in connection with the protests. Six of the minors collapsed and had to be taken out of the courtroom for medical assistance.
Reacting to the incident on Saturday, the IG claimed that the fainting of some of the minors in court was staged to attract negative attention. He added that medical assistance was promptly provided, emphasising the police’s commitment to the welfare of individuals in their custody.
Following the public outrage over the incident, President Bola Tinubu directed on Monday that the charges against the minors be withdrawn.
In a statement released Monday night, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, noted that the IG had directed an investigation into the minors’ welfare while they were in detention.
Adejobi added that, upon receiving the report of the investigation, the IG vowed to address any procedural lapses identified.
He said, “Following the recent remand and subsequent arraignment of some young individuals on Friday, 1st November, the Inspector-General of Police, while in Algiers, Algeria, for the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation committee meeting, directed an investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these young persons in police detention facilities.
“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently participating in the Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns.”
Adejobi added that the IG had summoned heads of investigation units to a conference on child-friendly investigation methods.
“To further ensure professionalism in investigations with an emphasis on child-friendly investigation and care, the IGP has summoned all Deputy Commissioners of Criminal Investigation Department (DCs CID) and Heads of Investigation Units to a conference and workshop on 7th November 2024, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi,” he said.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.” (Punch)
