#EndBadGovernance: IGP summons DCs, CID, orders investigation into care of minors while detained
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned senior officers, including all Deputy Commissioners, Criminal Investigation Department heads, and Investigation Unit leads, to address the welfare of younger protesters identified as minors while in police detention.
This action follows national outrage over the minors’ arraignment at the Federal High Court on Friday.
The young detainees, charged with treason, appeared malnourished in court after being held for three months following the August hunger protest.
In a statement issued on Monday night by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun directed a comprehensive investigation into the minors’ treatment during detention.
The investigation report has 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 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.
“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently participating in Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns.
“To further ensure professionalism in investigation with emphasis on child-friendly investigation and care, the IGP has summoned all DCs CID and Heads of Investigation Units to a conference and workshop on November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Center, Jabi.”
The Nigeria Police Force then reaffirmed its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.
President Bola Tinubu had on Monday directed the immediate release of all the detainees.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Monday after the President swore in seven newly appointed ministers cleared by the Senate.
The minister said the President ordered the immediate release of the minors without prejudice to whatever legal processes that are ongoing.
The President also directed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to immediately see to the welfare of the minors, and also take part to ensure their smooth reunion with their parents or guardians wherever they are in the country.
Tinubu also directed that a committee would be set up to be spearheaded by the humanitarian affairs ministry to look at all issues surrounding the arrest, detention, treatment, and finally, the release of the minors.