The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has launched an investigation into the treatment of minors held in police custody, following widespread backlash over their recent court appearance.
The minors were among 76 individuals arraigned for alleged involvement in August’s #EndBadGovernance protests, where they faced charges of treason and other offenses.
During their arraignment, the minors appeared malnourished and frail, with four collapsing in court, sparking public outrage and calls for their release on social media. Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), subsequently requested the minors’ case files from the police.
President Bola Tinubu, responding to the outcry, ordered the release of the minors and instructed a thorough investigation into their arrest and detention. He affirmed that any official found to have committed infractions would face disciplinary action, according to Mohammed Idris, the minister of information.
In a Monday statement, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi confirmed that IGP Egbetokun, currently at the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow, received an investigative report on the matter. The IGP has vowed to address any procedural issues uncovered by the probe. Additionally, he has called for a conference on November 7 for heads of investigative units to discuss child-friendly investigation practices.
This investigation aims to address the treatment of minors in custody and to prevent further procedural lapses, prioritizing a professional and humane approach in handling cases involving children.
