In response to allegations of mistreatment of minors detained during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has ordered a comprehensive investigation into their welfare while in police custody.
This directive follows public uproar after 76 protest-related detainees, mostly minors, appeared malnourished in court last Friday, with six reportedly collapsing and requiring urgent medical care.
According to police sources, the minors were arraigned in court due to their involvement in the protests. Inspector-General Egbetokun, currently attending the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow, suggested that the fainting incident may have been staged to draw negative attention but assured that medical care was immediately provided.
“The police are committed to ensuring the well-being of all individuals in custody,” he stated.
The controversy has since garnered significant attention, prompting President Bola Tinubu to intervene, ordering charges against the minors to be dropped.
Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed on Monday night that the Inspector-General while attending an African Union police meeting in Algiers, directed an inquiry to assess procedural standards in the minors’ detention.
Adejobi emphasised that Egbetokun is committed to “addressing any procedural lapses or concerns” found in the investigation.
The Inspector-General has called a conference for deputy commissioners of criminal investigation and other heads of investigation units to foster professional, child-sensitive investigative practices.
This workshop, which will be held on November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, aims to establish “child-friendly investigation and care” standards in law enforcement practices.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and maintaining accountability, particularly for vulnerable groups,” Adejobi added.