#Endbadgovernance protests: Police begin probe of maltreatment of minors

#EndBadGovernance protesters, among whom were minors, recently in court

Published By: Paul Dada

By Paul Dada

The Nigeria Police Force has begun the probe of the alleged maltreatment of minors arrested over the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Force Public Relations, Muyiwa Adejobi who said the Inspector General of Police ordered the probe.

Already, President Bola Tinubu had on Monday evening, ordered that the  minors among the protesters be released from detention.

Tinubu’s intervention came after a public outcry over the the arraignment of the minors who looked malnourished, in court.

The police statement released on Monday night, said the IGP wanted the welfare of the minors while in detention, investigated.

The statement said, “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.

“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.”

The statement further said, “To further ensure professionalism in investigations with an emphasis on child-friendly investigation and care, the IGP has summoned all Deputy Commissioners of Criminal Investigation Department (DCs CID) and Heads of Investigation Units to a conference and workshop on 7th November 2024, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi,” he said.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.”