Hunger protests: Trial of three minors, others continues in Borno court

Stop reporting police conduct on social media, IGP tells Nigerians

A MAIDUGURI High Court in Borno State, yesterday, continued the trial of 19 suspects, including three minors arrested since August for allegedly participating in the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests.

In a related development, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged Nigerians to refrain from using social media to report the conduct of police officers and instead direct such complaints to the Police Complaints Response Unit.

The suspects were arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for treason over their involvement in public demonstrations against hunger and economic hardship in the country.

The three minors were aged between 14 to 17 years. Prosecutors alleged that the minors were part of a seven-man group that conspired to form a social media group, Zanga-zanga (protest), on WhatsApp and TikTok, where they agreed to protest against the state.

According to the report, proceedings resumed yesterday at Maiduguri High Court 10 before Justice Aisha Mohammed Ali. The offence, according to the court, is punishable under Section 79 of the Borno State Penal Code 2023.

Additionally, 11 defendants were accused of displaying the Russian flag in public, contrary to Section 42 and punishable under Section 76(b) of the Penal Code.

However, the protesters pleaded not guilty to the charges. This was after President Bola Tinubu ordered the release of underage children arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on November 1.

SPEAKING at the PPROs/Police Communication Experts’ Conference in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday, the IGP emphasised that the use of social media to address grievances would often lead to misinformation and undermine the integrity of the police.

“We appeal to the public not to resort to social media when reporting the conduct of police officers, but use the Police Complaints Response Unit,” Egbetokun said, stressing that such platforms provide a more structured and accountable process for addressing complaints.

He acknowledged the role of social media in shaping public opinion, but warned that unverified information could create false perceptions. Egbetohun highlighted the importance of promoting transparency and accountability within the force, noting that the police considered the media as a critical partner in this effort.