The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Saturday stated that the fainting of some minor suspects arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday for their participation in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest was “deliberate and scripted.”
Edum News reports that the police reaction comes after some suspects brought in for arraignment fainted before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Recall that the suspects, 75 in number between the ages of 12 and 15, were charged with 10 counts of terrorism, an attempt to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny over their participation in the nationwide protest.
They were arrested during the August 1 to 10 protest against hunger and have since been in detention.
However, reacting to the criticism that followed their arraignment yesterday, the police in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyowa Adejobi for the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, said the “unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to draw negative attention.”
The statement partly reads, “The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has recently arraigned 76 individuals in court on charges including terrorism, arson, and treasonable felony. These serious allegations encompass offences such as the destruction of public property and threats to national security.
“In managing the detention and arraignment of these suspects, the NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law. The suspects were initially presented in court, where they were formally charged, and a remand order was issued by the court.
“Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.”
