THE Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has characterized the fainting of several minor suspects who were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday for their involvement in the August 2024 End Bad Governance protest as “intentional and staged.”
This response from the police follows the incident where some suspects fainted in the courtroom before Justice Obiora Egwuatu.
The suspects, totaling 75 and aged between 12 and 15, face 10 charges that include terrorism, attempted insurrection, and alleged mutiny related to their participation in the nationwide protests.
They were reportedly arrested on August 3 and have been in detention since.
In light of the significant criticism surrounding their arraignment, a statement from the police, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyowa Adejobi, on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, claimed that the “unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rushing out and fainting, which appeared to be a deliberate and scripted effort to attract negative media attention.”
The statement further noted, “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recently brought 76 individuals to court on serious charges, including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. These serious allegations involve crimes such as destruction of public property and threats to national security.
“In handling the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has carefully followed legal guidelines to ensure fairness and accountability within the framework of the law. The suspects were taken to court, where formal charges were presented, and a remand order was issued.
“Throughout this process, the NPF has aimed to strike a balance between justice and compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights are upheld, including access to medical care and other essential needs.
“Earlier today, an unexpected incident in court occurred, during which six of the suspects suddenly rushed out and fainted, an act perceived as a calculated move to attract negative attention. Medical assistance was promptly provided to these individuals, illustrating the Police Force’s commitment to the well-being of those in custody, regardless of the allegations they face.
“While we are dedicated to pursuing justice, the Nigeria Police Force remains attentive to the rights of all individuals, including minors. According to Nigerian law, those who have reached the age of criminal responsibility are accountable for their actions, no matter their age. This standard aligns with international practices that hold young individuals responsible for serious offences.
“As is evident in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, age does not exempt individuals from facing legal repercussions. However, each case is treated with understanding and in line with human rights principles.
“The NPF recognizes the public interest in this case and assures that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal proceedings. The public is urged to view this case impartially, as the Force is committed to a transparent pursuit of justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to adhering to best practices while upholding the rule of law and respecting human dignity,” the statement concluded.
Bail Granted to Suspects
Justice Egwuatu subsequently granted bail to 67 of the minors, setting the amount at N10 million each, out of the 76 who were arraigned.
Those granted bail, all under the age of 15, must present one surety who is a civil servant.
The minors face ten counts of charges related to alleged treason and conspiracy to commit a felony with the intent to destabilize Nigeria, in violation of Section 96 and punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code Act.
The predominantly minor protesters appeared malnourished, with four requiring immediate assistance out of the courtroom as they were unable to stand.
The 76 protesters were arrested in various locations, including Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Jos, Katsina, and Kano, and are facing accusations of treason among other offences.
The protesters include: Nura Ibrahim (24), Abdulbasi Abdusalami (34), Ahmed Yusuf (25), Awolu Abdulahi (21), Umar Musa (15), Muhammadu Mustapha (16), Umar Muhammed (23), Umar Inusa (18), Abdullahi Sani (21), Abba Usman (30), Ibrahim Rabiu (16), Abubakar San (19), Abubakar Abdullahi (18), Amir Muhammed (17), Umar Ali (17), Saminu Sani (22), Muhammed Musa (14), Suleiman Dauda (18), Ismail Abdullah (27), Haruna Suleiman (22), Bello Abdullahi (23), Usman Yunusa (20), Umar Umar (25), Sani Aliyu (17), Yusuf Lawal (21), Abba Adamu (22), Abbas Hamza (20), Tasiu Lawal (16), Jamilu Haruna (16), Usman Mohammed (20), Aminu Usaini (20), Aminu Mohammed (24), Abdullahi Suleiman (16), Bilal Auwalu (15), Umar Kabir (22), Abubakar Ibrahim (18), Usman Yusuf (22), Abubakar Adam (16), Suleiman Ali (16), Mubarak Hamza (23), Ibrahim Musa (24), Saminu Ali (25), Yahaya Sani (20), Umar Sani (26), Abbas Haliru (24), Sani Idris (17), Tashiru Mohammed (18), Abdulaziz Abubakar (15), Usman Sirajo (16), and Musa Adam (22).
The remaining individuals include: Mukhtari Yahaya (17), Abba Ahmad (23), Umar Mohammed (24), Yahaya Musa (18), Umar Abdullahi (17), Salisu Adamu (16), Habibu Sani (17), Sadiq Sanusi (15), Ibrahim Sani (17), Mustapha Kabir (16), Saifullah Mohammed (17), Hassan Mohammed (17), Mustapha Abubakar (17), Sanusi Nura (14), Abdulmalik Auwal (19), Musa Ishaku (17), Abdulrahman Ibrahim (17), Usman Ibrahim, Usman Fatihu (21), Abdulganiu Musa (15), Sagir Hassan (19), Abubakar Muhammed (22), Kabiru Sani (25), Muhammed Yahaya (14), Mukhtar Alhassan (16), and Mustapha Ibrahim (18).