Senator Sani Musa, representing Niger East, has sharply criticized the actions of the Inspector General of Police and certain prosecutors over their handling of minors among the 72 #EndBadGovernance protesters who were arraigned in court last Friday.
The protesters, who were charged with participating in anti-government demonstrations, sparked widespread calls for their release, especially after it was revealed that several minors were among those detained. Activists nationwide rallied in support of the protesters, demanding the government respect their right to peaceful assembly.
In response to the public outcry, President Bola Tinubu intervened on Monday, ordering the immediate release of all minors in custody and emphasizing the importance of reuniting them with their families.
Musa praised the President’s swift and compassionate decision, calling it a welcome act of justice that reassured affected families and helped restore public confidence.
“I commend the President for his decisive and compassionate action to release all detained minors and ensure their safe return to their families across the country,” Musa said. “This demonstrates a deep commitment to justice and humanity, providing relief and much-needed reassurance to families facing these distressing circumstances.”
Despite his praise for the President’s intervention, Musa expressed deep dissatisfaction with the conduct of law enforcement officials, particularly Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the prosecutors involved. He condemned what he called “senseless actions” that have eroded public trust in the police.
“It is truly disappointing to witness such senseless behavior from the Inspector General of Police and the involved prosecutors,” Musa remarked. “These actions not only undermine the public’s trust in our law enforcement agencies but also violate the core principles of justice and the protection of vulnerable children.”
Musa called for a thorough investigation into the mishandling of the minors’ cases and insisted that those responsible be held accountable. He stressed the importance of a justice system that protects the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups such as minors, and urged all relevant parties to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
“Let this serve as a reminder that the rights of minors must be respected and safeguarded at all times,” the senator added.
