The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has characterized the fainting incidents of several minor suspects arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for their involvement in the August 2024 End Bad Governance protest as “intentional and staged.”
This statement from the police follows reports that some suspects collapsed before Justice Obiora Egwuatu during the arraignment.
The 75 suspects, aged between 12 and 15, face 10 charges, including terrorism, attempted government overthrow, and alleged mutiny, related to their participation in the nationwide protest.
The minors were reportedly detained following their arrest on August 3rd and have remained in custody since then.
However, while reacting to the widespread criticism that greeted their arraignment, the police’s statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyowa Adejobi for the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the “unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.”
“The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony.
“These serious allegations encompass offences such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security.
“In managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law. The suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court.
“Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.
“Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention. Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.
“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons.
“Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age. This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences.
“As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.
“The NPF acknowledges public interest in this case and assures the public that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal process. The public is encouraged to view this case without undue bias, as the Force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to aligning with best practices, upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity,” the NPF statement said.
Suspects Granted Bail
Justice Egwuatu granted bail to 67 out of the 76 minors arraigned, setting the bail amount at N10 million each.
Those under 15 who were granted bail are required to provide one surety, who must be a civil servant.
The minors face a ten-count charge, including alleged treason and conspiracy to commit a felony with intent to destabilize Nigeria, which contravenes section 96 and is punishable under section 97 of the Penal Code Act.
Many of the young protesters appeared malnourished, with four needing to be quickly escorted out of the courtroom as they were unable to stand.
The 76 protesters, arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, face charges of treason, among other allegations.
The names and ages of some protesters include: Nura Ibrahim, 24; Abdulbasi Abdusalami, 34; Ahmed Yusuf, 25; Awolu Abdulahi, 21; Umar Musa, 15; Muhammadu Mustapha, 16; Umar Muhammed, 23; Umar Inusa, 18; Abdullahi Sani, 21; Abba Usman, 30; Ibrahim Rabiu, 16; Abubakar San, 19; Abubakar Abdullahi, 18; Amir Muhammed, 17; Umar Ali, 17; Saminu Sani, 22; Muhammed Musa, 14; Suleiman Dauda, 18; Ismail Abdullah, 27; and Haruna Suleiman, 22.
Others are Bello Abdullahi 23 years, Usman Yunusa 20 years, Umar Umar 25 years, Sani Aliyu 17years, Yusuf Lawal 21 years, Abba Adamu 22 years, Abbas Hamza 20 years, Tasiu Lawal 16 years, Jamilu Haruna 16 years, Usman Mohammed 20 years, Aminu Usaini 20 years, Aminu Mohammed 24 years, Abdullahi Suleiman 16 years, Bilal Auwalu 15 years, Umar Kabir 22 years, Abubakar Ibrahim 18 years, Usman Yusuf 22 years, Abubakar Adam 16 years, Suleiman Ali 16 years, Mubarak Hamza 23 years, Ibrahim Musa 24 years, Samani Ali 25 years, Yahaya Sani 20 years, Umar Sani 26 years, Abbas Haliru 24 years, Sani Idris 17 years, Tashiru Mohammed 18 years, Abdulaziz Abubakar 15 years, Usman Sirajo 16 yrs and Musa Adam 22 years.
The rest are; Mukhtari Yahaya 17yrs, Abba Ahmad 23yrs, Umar Mohammed 24 years, Yahaya Musa 18 years, Umar Abdullahi 17 years, Salisu Adamu 16yrs, Habibu Sani 17 years, Sadiq Sanusi 15yrs, Ibrahim Sani 17 years, Mustapha Kabir 16yrs, Saifullah Mohammed 17 years, Hassan Mohammed 17 years, Mustapha Abubakar 17 years, Sanusi Nura 14 years, Abdulmalik Auwal 19 years, Musa Ishaku 17 years, Abdulrahman Ibrahim 17 years, Usman Ibrahim, Usman Fatihu 21 years, Abdulganiu Musa 15 years, Sagir Hassan 19 years, Saidu Usman 25yrs, Abubakar Muhammed 22 years, Kabiru Sani 25 years, Muhammed Yahaya 14yrs, Mukhtar Alhassan 16 years, and Mustapha Ibrahim 18 years.