‘Hungry’ minors: Lawmaker applauds Tinubu’s intervention, condemns police

The lawmaker representing Niger East, Sani Musa, has strongly condemned the actions of the Inspector General of Police and certain police prosecutors over their handling of minors among the 72 #EndBadGovernance protesters arraigned in court last Friday.

Their arraignment for allegedly participating in anti-government demonstrations faced widespread calls for their release, especially after several minors were discovered among the detainees.

Activists across the country had rallied around the protesters’ cause, calling on the government to uphold their rights to peaceful assembly.

In response to growing public pressure, President Bola Tinubu issued a directive on Monday ordering the immediate release of all detained minors, emphasising the importance of reuniting them with their families.
Musa praised the President’s intervention, describing it as a compassionate and humane decision that reassured affected families and restored some level of public trust.

Musa stated, “I commend the President for his decisive and compassionate directive to release all detained minors and ensure they are safely reunited with their families across the country.

“This action demonstrates a profound commitment to justice and humanity and reflects a true spirit of leadership. It is both a relief and a source of reassurance for families affected by these unfortunate incidents.”
Musa also voiced frustration with the conduct of law enforcement officials, specifically the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and the prosecutors involved in the case.

He expressed disappointment in what he referred to as “senseless conduct” and highlighted the damaging impact it has on public trust in the police force.

“It is disappointing to witness the senseless conduct exhibited by the Inspector General of Police and the involved police prosecutors,” he said. “Such actions not only undermine public trust in our law enforcement agencies but also contradict the principles of justice and the welfare of our children,” he said.

Musa called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that those responsible for the mishandling of the minors’ cases are held accountable.

He emphasised the need for a justice system that respects the rights of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as minors, and urged all stakeholders to prevent such incidents from recurring.

“Let this stand as a reminder that the rights of minors are to be respected and protected at all times,” the senator added.