Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has initiated an investigation into the treatment of minors detained in police facilities.
This decision comes in the wake of public outrage following the arraignment of 76 suspects, primarily minors, accused of participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest in August.
During the court proceedings, the children appeared malnourished and gaunt, with four collapsing. The disturbing images sparked widespread condemnation on social media, prompting calls for their release. In response, Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), requested that the police submit the case files.
On Saturday, Egbetokun suggested that the minors’ fainting episodes were “scripted.” However, on Monday, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced that President Bola Tinubu had instructed the release of the minors and ordered an investigation into their arrests and arraignment. Idris stated that any government official found to have violated protocol would face appropriate disciplinary action.
In a statement, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, police spokesperson, confirmed that Egbetokun had directed a thorough probe into the welfare of the young detainees. The IGP also summoned heads of investigation units for a conference on child-friendly investigation methods, aimed at addressing any procedural lapses identified in the treatment of these minors.
“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 investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these young persons while in police detention facilities,” the statement detailed.
Egbetokun has vowed to meticulously review the investigative report upon receiving it in Glasgow, where he is attending the Interpol General Assembly, and to take necessary actions to ensure professionalism in handling cases involving minors.
A conference and workshop on child-friendly investigation methods has been scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, Abuja.
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