- President Bola Tinubu had on Monday directed the immediate release of all the detainees.
- The president also asked a committee set up to be spearheaded by the humanitarian affairs ministry to look at all issues.
Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, has ordered a probe into allegations of mistreatment of minors in police custody.
The investigation follows nationwide outrage over the arraignment of minors at the federal high court last Friday.
Seventy-six suspects, mostly minors, faced charges for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest in August.
The minors, charged with treason, appeared malnourished, with four collapsing during arraignment, sparking public outcry.
Their arraignment ignited social media demands for release, prompting the attorney-general to request case files.
Egbetokun initially claimed the minors’ fainting was “scripted”, but the court granted N10 million bail each.
On Monday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced President Bola Tinubu’s new directives on the matter.
Idris stated Tinubu ordered immediate release of minors arraigned for #EndBadGovernance protests involvement.
The president also ordered investigation into arrest, arraignment, and law enforcement agents’ conduct.
“If infractions are found, disciplinary action will be taken against any government official,” Idris said.
Tinubu also tasked the humanitarian affairs ministry with rehabilitating the minors.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi quoted Egbetokun ordering a thorough investigation into minors’ treatment.
Adejobi said Egbetokun vowed to address procedural lapses found in the investigation report.
Egbetokun also summoned investigation unit heads for a conference on child-friendly methods.
“Following the recent remand and arraignment of young individuals…the IGP directed investigation into their care and welfare in detention facilities,” the statement reads.
“Upon receiving the report, the IGP will examine it and take necessary actions to address lapses.
“To ensure professionalism, the IGP summoned DCs CID and Heads of Investigation Units to a November 7 conference.”
Adejobi reaffirmed the force’s commitment to upholding law, fairness, and accountability for vulnerable groups.
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