#EndBadGovernance Protests: We arrested criminal elements, not minors – IGP clarifies

Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, has denied media reports that the Nigerian Police Force detained children during the recent #EndBadGovernance demonstrations.

Egbetokun explained that those arrested were not peaceful protestors or children, but rather criminal individuals involved in property destruction, looting of stores and public spaces, and arson.

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.