IGP,Kayode Egbetokun Summons Senior Officers To Review Treatment Of Minors In Custody

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has convened a meeting with top police officials, including all Deputy Commissioners, CID heads, and leaders of Investigation Units, to discuss the welfare of minors detained during recent protests. 

In a statement released Monday night by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun ordered a full investigation into the minors' treatment in detention. 

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News recalls that the new move comes in response to public outrage over the recent court appearance of these young detainees, charged with treason and reportedly appearing malnourished, three months after their arrest in August.

He received the initial findings while attending the Interpol General Assembly in Glasgow. 

"The Inspector-General, from Algiers at the AU Police Cooperation meeting, directed a review of the care conditions for these young detainees," the statement read.

The IGP will review the findings and address any procedural concerns raised. To reinforce police accountability in handling minors, he announced a conference and workshop for senior investigative officers, scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the Police Resource Center in Jabi.

Separately, President Bola Tinubu has called for the immediate release of all minors held in connection with the protests. 

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris shared the directive with State House correspondents, following the swearing-in of new ministers. 

The President has tasked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs with ensuring the welfare of these minors and coordinating their reunification with families across the country. 

Additionally, a committee led by the ministry will address all aspects related to the detention, treatment, and release of the minors.