Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has claimed that the fainting of some minors at the Federal High Court in Abuja was a staged act aimed at drawing public sympathy. On Friday, 76 individuals, most of whom are minors, were brought before the court on charges stemming from their involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August. The charges include mutiny, treason, and destruction of public property.
During the proceedings, four of the defendants reportedly fainted before entering pleas, prompting the court to grant them bail set at ₦10 million each. Witnesses noted that the young defendants appeared frail and malnourished, which sparked further concerns regarding their treatment in custody.
In a statement by police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, IGP Egbetokun asserted that the incident in court was a calculated move. “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,” he stated. He added that medical aid was immediately provided to those who fainted, underscoring the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of detainees, regardless of the accusations they face.
The IGP emphasized that the police force is committed to balancing justice with compassion, particularly when dealing with minors. While Nigeria’s laws require young individuals who meet the criminal responsibility age to be accountable for their actions, Egbetokun pointed out that this principle is in line with international practices, including those in the United Kingdom, where age alone does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. “The Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons,” he added.
Egbetokun assured that the police will continue to uphold professionalism and human rights standards throughout the legal process involving the minors.
