EndBadGovernance protests: IG investigates alleged maltreatment of minors
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered investigation of allegations of maltreatment of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August.
Recall that on Friday last week, 76 suspects, mostly minors numbering 30 who looked malnourished, were arraigned in court in connection with the protests. Six of the minors collapsed and had to be taken out of the courtroom for medical assistance.
In a statement on Monday night, the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, noted that the IG had ordered an investigation into the minors’ welfare and alleged maltreatment while they were in detention.
Adejobi added that the IG vowed to address any misconduct identified after receiving the report of the investigation.
The IG, however, claimed that the fainting of some of the minors in court was fabricated to draw negative attention and emotion.
“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 an investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these young persons in police detention facilities,” the statement said.
“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently participating in the Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns.”
Egbetokun who said that medical assistance was promptly provided, however, stressed the police’s commitment to the welfare of individuals in their custody.
In the spirit of the welfare of the minors, President Bola Tinubu on Monday directed withdrawal of the charges against the minors and their immediate release.
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