Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun clarified recent reports about minors pardoned by President Bola Tinubu, confirming they were arrested for vandalism, not for participating in protests. Egbetokun stated that the pardoned youths were involved in acts of property destruction rather than any form of civil demonstration, addressing rumors that had circulated widely in the media.
According to Egbetokun, the minors had allegedly damaged public infrastructure and were detained as part of law enforcement’s commitment to protecting community property. The IGP’s statement aims to refute misconceptions that the pardons were related to suppressing public dissent, positioning the arrests within the framework of standard legal measures against vandalism.
This clarification comes as the public continues to scrutinize the government’s approach to civil liberties, particularly the treatment of minors and youth. Egbetokun reassured Nigerians that the police remain dedicated to lawful enforcement while respecting individuals’ rights to peacefully express their views.
