The police assert that the fainting of minor suspects during court proceedings was orchestrated, casting doubt on the authenticity of the incident amid rising tensions over the treatment of young protesters.
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) characterized the fainting of several minor suspects, who appeared at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for their involvement in the August 2024 End Bad Governance protest, as “intentional and staged.”
The police’s response follows an incident where several suspects scheduled for arraignment collapsed before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
Seventy-five suspects, aged between 12 and 15, were charged with ten counts of terrorism, an attempted government overthrow, and alleged mutiny due to their involvement in the nationwide protest.
They were reportedly taken into custody on August 3rd and have remained detained since then.
In response to the widespread criticism following their arraignment, the police issued a statement signed by ACP Olumiyowa Adejobi on behalf of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun. The statement noted that during an unexpected incident in court, six suspects suddenly rushed out and fainted in what appeared to be a deliberate and scripted effort to attract negative media attention.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recently brought 76 individuals to court, charging them with offenses such as terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony.
These serious allegations include offenses like destroying public property and posing threats to national security.
In handling the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has strictly followed legal guidelines to guarantee fairness and accountability within the framework of the law. The suspects were initially brought before a court where they faced formal charges, resulting in a remand order issued by the judge.
Throughout this process, the Police have strived to balance justice with compassion by respecting each suspect’s basic rights and privileges, such as access to medical care and other necessary provisions.
Today, a surprising event unfolded in court when six of the suspects abruptly dashed out and fainted. This orchestrated action aimed at attracting media attention and generating negative publicity. The individuals promptly received medical assistance, showcasing the Police Force’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of those in its custody, regardless of the accusations against them.
The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to upholding justice and remains attentive to the rights of all individuals, including young people.
According to Nigerian law, individuals who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are held accountable for their actions regardless of their actual age. This principle is consistent with global practices that ensure young people face consequences for serious offenses they commit.
As observed in other regions, such as the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal repercussions. Nevertheless, each case is handled with empathy and adherence to human rights standards.
The NPF recognizes the public’s interest in this case and assures that our officers will uphold professionalism throughout the legal proceedings. We encourage everyone to approach this case objectively, as we remain committed to a transparent pursuit of justice.
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“The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to adhering to best practices and upholding both the rule of law and respect for human dignity,” stated the NPF.
Suspects Released on Bail
Justice Egwuatu later granted bail to 67 out of the 76 minors who were arraigned, setting each minor’s bail at N10 million.
Individuals under the age of 15 who are granted bail must provide one surety, and this surety must be a civil servant.
The minors are charged with ten counts related to alleged treason and conspiracy to commit a felony aimed at destabilizing Nigeria, which violates Section 96 of the Penal Code Act and is punishable under Section 97.
Most of the protesters, who were primarily minors, appeared malnourished. Four of them had to be quickly escorted out of the courtroom because they couldn’t stand on their feet.
Seventy-six protesters were arrested in Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano. They are facing charges that include treason.
The protesters are; Nura Ibrahim 24 years, Abdulbasi Abdusalami, 34years, Ahmed Yusuf 25 years, Awolu Abdulahi 21 years, Umar Musa 15 years, Muhammadu Mustapha 16 years, Umar Muhammed 23 years, Umar Inusa 18 years, Abdullahi Sani 21 years, Abba Usman 30 years, Ibrahim Rabiu 16 years, Abubakar San, 19 years, Abubakar Abdullahi 18 years, Amir Muhammed 17 years, Umar Ali 17 years, Saminu Sani 22 years, Muhammed Musa 14years, Suleiman Dauda 18 years, Ismail Abdullah 27 years and Haruna Suleiman 22 years.
Others are Bello Abdullahi 23 years, Usman Yunusa 20 years, Umar Umar 25 years, Sani Aliyu 17years, Yusuf Lawal 21 years, Abba Adamu 22 years, Abbas Hamza 20 years, Tasiu Lawal 16 years, Jamilu Haruna 16 years, Usman Mohammed 20 years, Aminu Usaini 20 years, Aminu Mohammed 24 years, Abdullahi Suleiman 16 years, Bilal Auwalu 15 years, Umar Kabir 22 years, Abubakar Ibrahim 18 years, Usman Yusuf 22 years, Abubakar Adam 16 years, Suleiman Ali 16 years, Mubarak Hamza 23 years, Ibrahim Musa 24 years, Samani Ali 25 years, Yahaya Sani 20 years, Umar Sani 26 years, Abbas Haliru 24 years, Sani Idris 17 years, Tashiru Mohammed 18 years, Abdulaziz Abubakar 15 years, Usman Sirajo 16 yrs and Musa Adam 22 years.
The rest are; Mukhtari Yahaya 17yrs, Abba Ahmad 23yrs, Umar Mohammed 24 years, Yahaya Musa 18 years, Umar Abdullahi 17 years, Salisu Adamu 16yrs, Habibu Sani 17 years, Sadiq Sanusi 15yrs, Ibrahim Sani 17 years, Mustapha Kabir 16yrs, Saifullah Mohammed 17 years, Hassan Mohammed 17 years, Mustapha Abubakar 17 years, Sanusi Nura 14 years, Abdulmalik Auwal 19 years, Musa Ishaku 17 years, Abdulrahman Ibrahim 17 years, Usman Ibrahim, Usman Fatihu 21 years, Abdulganiu Musa 15 years, Sagir Hassan 19 years, Saidu Usman 25yrs, Abubakar Muhammed 22 years, Kabiru Sani 25 years, Muhammed Yahaya 14yrs, Mukhtar Alhassan 16 years, and Mustapha Ibrahim 18 years
