Kano NBA decries maltreatment of teenage Nigerians in police custody, demands IGP’s resignation
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano branch, has condemned the Nigeria Police under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for subjecting Nigerian children under their custody to cruel and inhuman conditions.
Chairman of the branch, Usman Umar Fari, in a statement he released on Friday, expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment at the way the teenagers, who were arrested for their alleged participation in demonstration against perilous hunger in Nigeria earlier in the year, were seen on Friday to be in conditions universally agreed to be degrading and deplorable.
Some of the teenage suspects brought by the police for arraignment fainted before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital where the police headquarters is situated.
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The suspects, 75 in number, between the ages of 12 and 15, are being charged with 10 counts of terrorism, attempt to overthrow the government and alleged mutiny agter their participation in the nationwide protest.
They were said to have been arrested on August 3rd and have since been in police detention.
They were seen in court on Friday looking haggard and tattered, as they scrambled for the food and water handed to them by sympathisers, indicating that they may have been kept without food and water for long.
The case before the court was for arraignment and plea when some of the suspects fainted.
Our reporter, who was in court, said Justice Egwuatu rose abruptly in disgust.
Fari said Mr Egbetokun has done enough bad to either resign or be sacked.
Read the full statement below:
We demand the resignation of the Inspector General of Police
I am writing to express our deep concern and outrage regarding the disturbing images of children who were brought to court for their alleged participation in the “End Bad Governance” protest.
These children, who appear sick, slim, hungry and malnourished, have been detained for three months under the custody of the Inspector General of Police.
This incident corroborates the heartbreaking stories of their degrading and inhuman treatment, including lack of proper medical attention, insufficient food and drinking water, as narrated to us by their guardians.
It is unacceptable that children, who are supposed to be protected and nurtured, are subjected to such cruel conditions.
It should be noted that it is part of the children’s fundamental right to enjoy the best attainable state of mental and physical health as provided by article 16(1) of the African Charter for Human and Peoples’ Right and other international covenants which Nigeria ratified.
In light of this, I strongly demand the immediate resignation of the Inspector General of Police. His leadership has failed to ensure the safety and well-being of these children, and his continued tenure will only serve to further tarnish Nigeria’s image globally and will destroy Mr President’s democratic credentials.
The Inspector General’s resignation is the only way to begin rebuilding trust and restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.
Alternatively, I urge President Bola Tinubu to sack the IGP immediately. The police boss has failed Nigerians, Africans and all human beings of conscience.
It is imperative that Mr President take swift action to address this situation and demonstrate his commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable children.
The National Human Right Commission and the National Assembly should conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the children’s detention and treatment.
Sincerely,
Usman Umar Fari
Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Kano Branch.
