By Kingsley Omonobi

Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has refuted claims circulating in the media that the Nigerian Police Force arrested minors during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

Egbetokun clarified that those detained were criminal elements engaged in arson, destruction of property, and looting of shops and public facilities—not peaceful protesters or minors.

The IGP further revealed that police officers caught escorting 100 foreigners, including Chinese and Malaysian nationals, who were detained for alleged cybercrime activities in Abuja, were not formally deployed for such duties. “These officers have been taken into custody and will face legal consequences,” he stated.

Speaking at a workshop on enhancing professionalism in criminal investigation, held at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja, Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing the release of those wrongfully arrested. He emphasized, however, that “nobody, including any minor, was detained simply for protesting. We upheld their right to peaceful protest and provided security.”

Egbetokun clarified that those arrested were individuals caught in criminal acts, including setting public facilities on fire, looting warehouses and shops, and destroying property. “Minors were not arrested for participating in protests. This narrative is being falsely propagated,” he said. “The suspects were captured on video committing these crimes, including arson and large-scale looting.”

The IGP also warned that any police officer found compromising an investigation would face strict disciplinary action, reiterating that officers who detained minors will not be sanctioned, as they acted in response to criminal activities, not against peaceful protesters.