The recent court incident involving six suspects fainting before arraignment has attracted significant attention, with Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing it as a “deliberate act” intended to cast the police in a negative light. In his statement, Egbetokun reassured that medical assistance was immediately provided, affirming the Nigeria Police Force’s (NPF) commitment to the welfare of all individuals in custody, regardless of the charges they face.
This incident occurred on Friday when 76 suspects, most of whom were reportedly minors and appeared malnourished, were brought to court over alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest. Following the arraignment, the court granted bail to each minor, set at N10 million, sparking widespread criticism both locally and internationally due to the high bail amount and the minors’ apparent condition.
Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of Egbetokun, emphasized the legal stance that individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility must face consequences, aligning this with international practices, such as those in the United Kingdom. However, he noted that the NPF’s approach aims to be compassionate and in line with human rights standards.
The charges against the suspects include terrorism, arson, treasonable felony, destruction of public property, and threats to national security. Egbetokun affirmed that the NPF followed all legal requirements during the suspects’ detention and arraignment, ensuring their rights, including medical care access.
Finally, Egbetokun called for public objectivity, promising transparency and professionalism from the police throughout the legal process. He emphasized the NPF’s focus on balancing justice with compassion, maintaining human dignity and rule of law, while assuring the public of an unbiased approach in handling the case.
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