6 Minors Court Collapse Was Staged, IGP Egbetokun Claims

IGP Egbetokun Claims 6 Minors Court Collapse was Staged for Media Attention

iexclusivenews – Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, has said that the #EndBadGovernance minors who slumped in court on Friday did so deliberately to draw the attention of the media to themselves.

This incident has sparked widespread criticism and calls for the release of the detained minors.

IGP Egbetokun’s Statement on 6 Minors Fainting in Court

In a statement dated November 1 and signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force PRO, on behalf of Egbetokun, it was disclosed that the police did no wrong in arraigning the children in court as they had reached the age of criminal responsibility and were answerable for their actions regardless of age.

IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the minors’ actions were a deliberate attempt to draw negative media attention.

Details of the Court Incident and Public Reaction

“Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention. Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face,” the statement read in part.

The events in the court have since sparked criticism from Nigerians. Many Nigerians took to social media platforms, like X, to call the Federal Government out for arresting and arraigning minors who should have been in schools in court.

Civil society organizations have also urged the Federal Government to release these minors, condemning the inhumane treatment they have received.

Background of the Arrest and Human Rights Concerns

The police arraigned 76 suspects on Friday, including minors who were visibly malnourished and in need of medical attention and proper feeding. These minors had been in detention since August 2 and were arraigned over the #EndBadGovernance protests. The prolonged detention and the conditions they are subjected to have raised significant legal and human rights concerns.

IGP Egbetokun added that the principle of holding minors accountable for their actions aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young people who commit serious offenses. However, human rights advocates have criticized the prolonged detention of minors and the conditions they are subjected to, calling for immediate action to address the situation.

The incident has also had an impact on the EndBadGovernance movement, drawing attention to the plight of those who participated in the protests. The movement, which aims to address issues of governance and accountability in Nigeria, has gained renewed support and visibility in light of the recent events.

Call for Justice and Reform

Human rights organizations and activists have called for immediate action to address the situation. They have urged the Nigerian government to ensure that the rights of the minors are protected and that they receive fair treatment in the justice system. There have also been calls for broader reforms to address the underlying issues that led to the protests and the subsequent arrests.

The claims made by IGP Egbetokun regarding the minors fainting in court have added another layer to the ongoing controversy. The incident highlights the urgent need for legal and human rights reforms in Nigeria. As the case progresses, the public and media will be closely watching to see how the authorities handle the situation and what steps are taken to ensure justice for the detained minors