Inspector-General of Police has called an emergency meeting with top officers, including Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCs), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) heads, and other senior investigators to address severe concerns over the welfare of minors detained since August. The youths were taken into custody for participating in #EndBadGovernance protests, and reports indicate they have endured malnourishment while detained at an adult facility within the Intelligence Response Team unit in Abuja.
Following public outcry, President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the detained minors, who had initially been denied entry to Kuje Prison due to their malnourished state. Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 24 of the youths, but 20 required hospitalization due to health complications, according to sources.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the president’s directive for the minors’ release. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to oversee a formal handover to return the children to their respective state governors.
The Nigeria Police Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that an investigation into the treatment of the detained minors is underway. Receiving the report remotely from Glasgow, where he is attending the Interpol General Assembly, IGP Egbetokun vowed a comprehensive review and corrective action.
To reinforce child-sensitive investigative standards, IGP Egbetokun has summoned senior investigation officials to a workshop on November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Center in Jabi. The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to legal standards, fairness, and accountability, particularly in protecting vulnerable individuals.
