Fainting of malnourished minors facing treason charges staged to attract attention: IG

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has described the fainting of six malnourished minors arraigned in court for treason as a scripted act to attract media attention.

In a statement by the Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Friday, the IG 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.”

Mr Egbetokun stated the Nigeria Police Force recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. The allegations encompass offences such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security. He added that in managing the detention and arraignment of the suspects, the NPF rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law.

The IG further said Nigerians police remained professional in handling of the minors in detention, adding that “Under Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are answerable for their actions, regardless of their age.

“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.’’

Public outrage erupted over the trial of the minors, many of whom appeared malnourished and had been jailed for over 90 days. On Friday, four of the minors reportedly collapsed in court.

Outraged by viral videos showing the malnourished minors in court, some Nigerians took to social media to criticise Mr Tinubu.

In a post on X, @FNwapa said, “A brutal dictator like @officialABAT through his shameless NSA @NuhuRibadu detained children for 90 days for simply participating in #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest. These children have been denied food, healthcare causing them to faint in court today.”

Activist Aisha Yesufu also criticised Mr Tinubu, comparing his government to terrorists and calling it “illegal.”

“Tinubu’s illegitimate government is now competing with terrorists to abduct children and starve them on top of that,” Mrs Yesufu said.

Another X user, @Shehu_mahdi, commented, “The children aged between 15 and 19 were today arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja, accused of participating in a protest against Tinubu’s destructive management style and charged with treason and attempting to overthrow the government.

He said, “It is a shame that underage children of the poor are being treated like animals after destroying the means of livelihood of their parents.’’.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International also condemned the treason trial of minors protesting against hunger under Mr Tinubu’s administration.

“The 114 protesters arraigned today at the Federal High Court, Abuja, have done nothing unlawful and do not deserve the horrifying treatment they have endured since their arrest. Among the 76 protesters arraigned in the first group today, the majority are minors, and the collapse of four in the courtroom underscores the poor state of their mental and physical health. Subjecting minors to such horrifying detention for demanding good governance reveals the government’s clear determination to crush dissent,” Amnesty International said in a statement on Friday.