The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday broke his silence over the arrest of minors during August #EndBadGovernance protests.

Egbetokun reiterated that those detained were criminal elements engaged in arson, destruction of property and looting of shops and public facilities, adding that they were not peaceful protesters or minors.

Speaking at a workshop on enhancing professionalism in criminal investigation at the Police Resource Centre in Abuja, Egbetokun expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for directing the release of those arrested, emphasising that: “Nobody, including any minor, was detained simply for protesting. We upheld their right to peaceful protest and provided security.

Those arrested were caught in criminal acts, including setting public facilities on fire, looting warehouses and shops, and destroying property.