The Inspector-Normal of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said that the fainting of six suspects in court docket earlier than their arraignment was a deliberate act, scripted to draw detrimental consideration.
Egbetokun harassed, nevertheless, that medical help was promptly offered, underscoring the police’s dedication to the welfare of people of their custody.
On Friday, 76 suspects, principally minors who appeared malnourished, had been arraigned in reference to the #EndBadGovernance protest. Six of them collapsed and had been rushed out of the courtroom.
Following their arraignment, the court docket granted every minor bail set at N10 million. The incident has sparked criticism each domestically and internationally.
In a press release dated November 1 however obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, signed by Pressure Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi on behalf of the IGP, Egbetokun affirmed that, underneath Nigerian legislation, people who’ve reached the age of prison accountability are accountable for his or her actions, no matter their age.
He mentioned, “As we speak, an surprising incident in court docket noticed six of the suspects immediately rush out and faint, drawing media consideration in a deliberate and scripted method to draw detrimental consideration.
“Medical support was promptly offered to those people, demonstrating the Police Pressure’s dedication to the welfare of these in its custody, no matter the allegations they face.
“Whereas dedicated to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Pressure stays delicate to the rights of all people, together with younger individuals. Below Nigerian legislation, people who’ve reached the age of prison accountability are answerable for his or her actions, no matter their age.
“This precept aligns with international practices, the place accountability is upheld for younger people who commit critical offences. As seen in different jurisdictions, together with the UK, age doesn’t exempt people from going through authorized penalties. Nevertheless, every case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights requirements.”
Egbetokun said that the fees in opposition to the suspects included destruction of public property and threats to nationwide safety, amongst others.
He mentioned, “The NPF has lately arraigned 76 people in court docket on expenses together with terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. These critical allegations embody offences such because the destruction of public property and threats to nationwide safety. In managing the detention and arraignment of those suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to authorized provisions to make sure equity and accountability underneath the rule of legislation.
“The suspects had been initially introduced in court docket, the place they had been formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court docket. All through this course of, the Police have labored to steadiness justice with compassion, guaranteeing that every suspect’s primary rights and privileges are revered, together with entry to medical care and different essential provisions.”
He urged residents to not present any type of bias within the case, assuring that the police would stay clear all through the authorized course of.
Egbetokun mentioned, “The NPF acknowledges public curiosity on this case and assures the general public that our officers will keep professionalism all through the authorized course of. The general public is inspired to view this case with out undue bias, because the Pressure stays targeted on a clear pursuit of justice. The Nigeria Police Pressure is dedicated to aligning with finest practices, upholding each the rule of legislation and respect for human dignity.”