The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egentokun has come under serious attack over his comments on the trial of some teenagers who took part in the August #endbadgovernance protests.
The magazine reports that global criticism greeted yesterday’s trial after some minors, who are among those being tried, collapsed in the court room.
Checks by the magazine indicate that 28 minors and 86 adults are currently undergoing trial in Abuja, the nation’s capital for taking part in the August protests.
While reacting to the backlash that has trailed the trial, the IGP alleged that protesters who collapse during the trial, were pretending to draw attention and sympathy from the public.
In a statement by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police said the event was ‘scripted’ by the protesters to attract attention.
The police said the fact that the offenders are minors will not prevent them from answering for their alleged crimes, saying the trial is in line with global best practices.
Part of the statement said, “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. Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.
“This principle aligns with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young individuals who commit serious offences. As seen in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal consequences. However, each case is approached with empathy and in accordance with human rights standards.’
Not a few people have trenchantly lashed out at the government for putting the teenagers on trial because they took part in the protest, staged by many Nigerians to force the government to address the hunger and hardship in the country, two months ago.
Nigerians are even angrier with the shameless manner the minors were arraigned in court yesterday.
Some ofthem took to their social media handles to attack the government’s indiscretion in handling the trial.
While reacting to the issue Souljah @jeffphilips said the authority “only sound confident with strength like this when the alleged crimes involve the poor and the vulnerable. When it comes to the elite, they’ll be stammering and elusive. Just ask him about Yahaya Bello and hear what he’ll say.’
Also, Birdeye Unfiltered @Birdeye2022 described the trial as heartless. “It’s disgraceful for government lawyers to argue that these young demonstrators are adults when they’re clearly minors. Claiming they’re married or university students to deny their rights is heartless and unjust. These children, fighting for a better future, endure inhumane treatment and malnourishment in detention, even collapsing in court. This shameful disregard for the vulnerable must be confronted. How long can we can’t stay silent?” he said.
Bashir El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives and son of the immediate past governor of Kaduna state while reacting on his X handle via @BashirElRufai, said the “Minors Protesting Against Hunger Brought For Arraignment Faint In Court Due To Malnutrition.”
Haruna Dahiru Garkawy🇳🇬@ddharunaa in his reaction said “The north will remember” Tinubu for putting the protesters, who are predominantly northerners on trial for protesting because they are hungry.
On his part, Bello Aminu @MalAminuBello compared President Tinubu to the notorious bandits Bello Turji, after detaining the protesters for more than two months in prison. “What’s the distinguishing feature between Tinubu’s ill-prepared govt and the Turji clan? You detain innocent children for weeks without proper food simply to protest the nation’s dire state. Now, you drag them to court in this pitiful condition,” he said.
Those that have criticised the federal government over the incident include human rights bodies such as the Amnesty International, SERAP amongst others.
Prominent Nigerians that have lashed out at the government include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, a former Minister of Education Obby Ezekwesili, Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Lateef Fagbemi has demanded the case file of the trial, amidst calls on the government to pardon the protesters.
