IG probes alleged mistreatment of minors from #EndBadGovernance protests
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called on senior officers, including all Divisional Commissioners (DCs), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and heads of investigation units, to address concerns regarding the welfare of minors who were detained following their participation in protests.
This comes in the wake of public outrage over the appearance of the minors in court on Friday, where they were arraigned on charges of treason.
The protesters, who had been held for three months since their arrest during the August hunger protest, appeared visibly malnourished, prompting widespread concern and criticism.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Monday night in Abuja, revealed that IGP Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the treatment of the minors in police custody.
READ ALSO: Court dismisses charges against #EndBadGovernance protesters
The Police PRO further stated that the findings of the investigation have been submitted to the IGP, who is currently in Glasgow attending the Interpol General Assembly.
The statement read: “Following the recent remand and subsequent arraignment of several young individuals on Friday, 1st November, the Inspector-General of Police, while attending the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation committee meeting in Algiers, Algeria, directed an investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these individuals while in police detention.
“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently attending the Interpol General Assembly, the IGP pledged to thoroughly review the findings and take appropriate action to address any procedural shortcomings or concerns.”
“To reinforce professionalism in investigations, with a particular focus on child-friendly practices and care, the IGP has called a conference and workshop for all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCs) in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Heads of Investigation Units. The event will take place on November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Center in Jabi.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and promoting accountability, especially in relation to vulnerable groups.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate release of all the detainees.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shared this information with State House correspondents on Monday following the swearing-in of seven newly appointed ministers, who had been cleared by the Senate.
The minister confirmed that President Tinubu ordered the immediate release of the minors, with no regard to the ongoing legal processes.
Additionally, the President instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to promptly address the welfare of the minors, ensuring their well-being and facilitating their reunification with their parents or guardians, wherever they may be located across the country.
President Tinubu also announced the establishment of a committee, led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to thoroughly review all aspects of the minors’ arrest, detention, treatment, and subsequent release.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va74ZvU2v1IqKByXoX3d
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
, the Criminal){kind=link}