Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East, has issued a strong condemnation of the Inspector General of Police and certain police prosecutors over their handling of minors among the 72 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arraigned in court last Friday.
The minors, part of a larger group detained for allegedly participating in anti-government demonstrations, sparked widespread calls for their release. Civil rights activists and citizens across Nigeria rallied around the detainees, advocating for the protection of their right to peaceful assembly.
In response to mounting public pressure, President Bola Tinubu directed the immediate release of all detained minors on Monday, emphasizing the need to reunite them with their families promptly.
Senator Musa praised President Tinubu’s intervention, describing the move as compassionate and humane, offering solace to affected families and helping to restore public trust.
“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,” said Musa. “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.”
The senator expressed frustration with law enforcement’s handling of the case, singling out Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the involved prosecutors. Musa criticized their actions as “senseless” and warned that such conduct damages 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,” Musa stated. “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.”
Calling for a thorough investigation, Musa emphasized the need to hold those responsible accountable. He advocated for a justice system that respects the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups like minors, and urged all stakeholders to work towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
“Let this stand as a reminder that the rights of minors are to be respected and protected at all times,” he added.
