- Safiu Kehinde
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, has written to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, demanding investigation into the maltreatment and malnourishment of the children arraigned before Abuja Federal High Court on Saturday.
Pantami had, in a post on X called the IGP’s attention to the malnourished minors shown in a disturbing video where one of them reportedly collapsed during the court hearing.
Condemning the arraignment of the minors who were arrested in connection to #EndBadGovernance protest, Panatami maintained that it is unacceptable in a decent society.
He cited the Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11, which stated that, every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be ‐ (a) subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment.
Meanwhile he called on the IGP to ensure immediate protection of the children and also bring to justice those responsible for their malnourishment while being held in custody.
The post read; “I am writing to bring to your attention a disturbing video I recently came across (shared below), showing minors appearing in court in a visibly malnourished and sickly state. This is unacceptable in any decent society.
“As a compassionate society, it is our collective duty to protect the most vulnerable among us, particularly children. Ensuring their safety, well-being, and justice is not only a moral obligation but also a fundamental human right.
“In the Child’s Rights Act 2003, Section 11, it is states that, Every child is entitled to respect for the dignity of his person, and accordingly, no child shall be ‐ (a) subjected to physical, mental or emotional injury, abuse, neglect or maltreatment…
“I respectfully request that you investigate this matter urgently and take necessary actions to:
“Ensure the immediate care and protection of these children;
“Identify and hold accountable those responsible for their condition; and
“Prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.
“Protecting the weak and vulnerable is a cornerstone of justice, and I trust that your office, in collaboration with other institutions, will take this matter seriously.”