The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned some top senior officers, including all DCs, CID, and Heads of Investigation Units over bad welfare and poor state of minors detained since August for participating in #EndBadGovernance protests.
Recall that following their rejection at Kuje Prison, the malnourished minors were detained by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a facility meant for adults at the Intelligence Response Team unit in the Apo area of the Federal Capital Territort.
SaharaReporters reports that the kids who were granted bail on stringent terms by Justice Obiora Egwuatu were 24. Still, about 20 of them had been hospitalised at an undisclosed hospital, sources had told SaharaReporters on Friday night.
Earlier on Monday, President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of the underage children arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court on Friday, November 1, following national and international outrage and condemnation.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced the development to State House correspondents during an emergency briefing at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.
SaharaReporters had also exclusively reported that Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is set to preside over an elaborate handover ceremony to transfer custody of malnourished minors to their respective state governors from the northern region.
A press statement issued by Nigerian Police Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Monday night, claimed that the security operatives had begun the investigation of the allegations of malnourishment of the detained minors.
The statement continued: “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 Center, Jabi.
“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding legal frameworks, ensuring fairness, and accountability, especially for vulnerable groups.”
