Published 3rd Feb, 2025

By Daniel Ojukwu

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is yet to conclude its investigation into the events that led to the detention, maltreatment and malnourishment of minors accused of participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest.

On November 4, Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), announced he had ordered an investigation into the maltreatment of 76 suspects, some of whom were minors, in police custody.

This announcement came after six minors slumped in court on November 1.

Muyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), communicated the IGP’s order at the time.

“Following the recent remand and subsequent arraignment of some young individuals on Friday, 1st November, the Inspector General of Police, while in Algiers, Algeria, for the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation committee meeting, directed an investigation into the conditions surrounding the care and welfare of these young persons in police detention facilities,” Adejobi stated.

“Upon receiving the investigative report today in Glasgow, where the IGP is currently participating in the Interpol General Assembly, the IGP vowed to thoroughly examine it and take necessary actions to address any procedural lapses or concerns.”

Adejobi also said the IGP had ordered all Deputy Commissioners of the Criminal Investigation Department (DCs CID) and Heads of Investigation Units to attend a conference and workshop on November 7, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, where they would learn child-friendly investigation methods.

Since November, the NPF has not publicly announced its findings.

On Monday, FIJ called Adejobi, but he did not answer the phone calls. FIJ also sent him a text message but he had not responded at press time.

Ojukwu is a reporter with FIJ in partnership with Report for the World, which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe.

Share on Social Media