The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said he has summoned senior officers, including all DCs, CID, and Heads of Investigation Units, over the welfare of younger protesters identified as minors while they were in police detention.
The development comes following a nationwide outrage over the arraignment of the minors at the Federal High Court on Friday.
The protesters, who were charged with treason, looked malnourished when they appeared in court three months after they were arrested during the August hunger protest.
However, a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja on Monday night said Egbetokun had ordered a thorough investigation into how the minors were treated.
The Police PRO also said the investigation report has been delivered to the IGP, who is currently away in Glasgow, where he is participating in the Interpol General Assembly
The statement read, “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.
“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.
“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 Centre, Jabi.”
The Nigeria Police Force then reaffirmed its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.
President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate release of all the detainees on Monday. Channels TV reports
