IG Orders Investigation into Mistreatment Allegations of Minors Arrested During #EndBadGovernance Protests
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has launched a full investigation into the treatment of minors arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests, amid allegations of mistreatment and neglect. The probe follows public outcry after 76 suspects, many of them minors, were arraigned last Friday in connection with the demonstrations.
Reports reveal that several of the minors, some appearing visibly malnourished, collapsed in court during the proceedings. Six of them required immediate medical attention after fainting and were carried out of the courtroom for urgent care.
In response to the incident, the IGP claimed on Saturday that the fainting episodes were staged to attract negative publicity. He emphasized that medical assistance had been swiftly provided and reiterated the police force’s commitment to the welfare of those in custody.
However, the incident sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the conditions under which the minors were being detained. In light of the public outcry, President Bola Tinubu intervened on Monday, November 5, ordering the immediate withdrawal of charges against the minors involved.
In a statement released later that evening, Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi confirmed that the IGP had directed an investigation into the conditions under which the minors were held in police custody. Adejobi stated that the IG, while attending a meeting in Algiers for the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation, had immediately ordered a review of the situation.
“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is attending the Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns,” Adejobi said.
In further efforts to ensure accountability, Egbetokun has called for a conference on child-friendly investigation methods, scheduled for November 7, 2024. The meeting, which will be held at the Police Resource Centre in Jabi, will bring together Deputy Commissioners of Criminal Investigation Departments (DCs CID) and heads of investigation units to discuss best practices for handling vulnerable detainees.
