Egbetokun: We’ll probe how minors were treated in police detention

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has directed an investigation into how minors in police detention facilities were treated. 

The development follows the outrage that trailed the arraignment of minors on Friday.

The police had arraigned 76 suspects — who are mostly minors — for allegedly participating in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest which took place in August.

The children, who were charged with treason among other offences, looked malnourished and gaunt in court, with four collapsing during the arraignment.

The arraignment elicited outrage on social media amid calls for their release.

Subsequently, Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF), asked the police to hand over the case files.

On Saturday, Egbetokun said the fainting of the minors was “scripted”.

On Monday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, said President Bola Tinubu had directed the release of the minors.

He said the president also ordered an investigation into the arrest and arraignment.

“If there are any infractions found to have been committed by any official of government, be him a law enforcement agent or whoever that person may be, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against him or her,” Idris said.

In a statement on Monday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the police, said Egbetokun has ordered a probe of the process in a bid to fix “any procedural lapses”.

The force spokesperson added that the IGP had summoned heads of investigation units to a conference on child-friendly investigation methods.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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.”