"Deliberate and Scripted Manner": IGP Speaks as Minors Arrested Over Protest Faint in Court
- The IGP Kayode Egbetokun has said that the minors who fainted in court on Friday, November 1, were deliberate and scripted
- Egbetokun maintained that anyone who attained a criminal age would be made to answer for their criminal act irrespective of their age
- The affected pupils were arrested during the EndBadGovernance protests in some parts of the north, where there was looting and raising of the Russian flags
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun claims that the fainting of six suspects in court was a deliberate act to attract negative attention. This incident occurred during the arraignment of 76 suspects, mostly minors who appeared malnourished, in connection with the #EndBadGovernance protest.
Egbetokun, in a statement signed by the force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the six suspects who fainted were promptly given medical aid, demonstrating the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to the welfare of those in their custody.
Source: Twitter
The statement read in part:
“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 attract negative attention."
Abuja court fainting: Can minors be prosecuted?
The Punch reported that the police boss emphasized that under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are accountable for their actions, regardless of age. This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences.
At the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, November 1, the suspects were charged with destruction of public property, threats to national security, terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony.
The police force said it has ensured fairness and accountability under the rule of law throughout the detention and arraignment process.
The court granted each minor bail set at N10 million, sparking widespread domestic and international criticism.
Egbetokun urged citizens not to show bias in the case, assuring that the police will remain transparent throughout the legal process.
States where hunger protests were held
Legit.ng earlier reported that protesters took over the streets of some states in Nigeria on Tuesday, October 1, Independence Day.
The planned protests began shortly after President Bola Tinubu's broadcast on the nationwide celebration of Independence Day.
However, the #FearlessInOctober protest experienced a low turnout compared to the hunger protest, which was held in August.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
