The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed reports suggesting that minors were arrested during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The IGP clarified that those taken into custody were not peaceful protesters but criminal elements involved in arson, looting, and the destruction of property.

In a statement, Egbetokun emphasized, “Minors were not arrested for participating in protests. This narrative is being falsely propagated.”

According to him, the detained individuals were captured on video engaging in criminal acts, including setting public facilities ablaze and looting shops and warehouses.

Egbetokun further disclosed that police officers were apprehended for escorting 100 foreigners, including Chinese and Malaysian nationals, detained over alleged cybercrime activities in Abuja.

“These officers have been taken into custody and will face legal consequences,” he stated, stressing that the officers were not formally deployed for such duties.

Addressing participants at a workshop on professionalism in criminal investigation at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja, Egbetokun expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing the release of those wrongfully detained.

He reiterated that “nobody, including any minor, was detained simply for protesting. We upheld their right to peaceful protest and provided security.”

The IGP also warned that any officer found compromising an investigation would face severe disciplinary action.

However, he defended the officers’ actions, noting that arrests were made based on criminal behaviour, not peaceful demonstrations.