Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of the Nigeria Police Force, has said that the #EndBadGovernance minors who slumped in court on Friday did so deliberately to draw the attention of the media to themselves.

He also said that the police did no wrong in arraigning the children in court as they had reached the age of criminal responsibility and were answerable for their actions regardless of age.

This was disclosed via a statement dated November 1 and signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force PRO, on behalf of Egbetokun.

“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 draw negative attention [sic]. 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,” the statement read in part.

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“While committed to upholding justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains sensitive to the rights of all individuals, including young persons. Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.”

Egbetokun added that this principle aligned with global practices, where accountability is upheld for young people who commit serious offences.

The police arraigned 76 suspects on Friday, including minors who were visibly malnourished and in need of medical attention and proper feeding. These minors had been in detention since August 2 and were arraigned over the #EndBadGovernance protests.

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Six of them collapsed and were taken out of the courtroom on Friday.

The events in the court have since sparked criticism from Nigerians. Many Nigerians took to social media platforms, like X, to call the Federal Government out for arresting and arraigning minors who should have been in schools in court.

Civil society organisations have also urged the Federal Government to release these minors.