Police Detain, Mother, 16-Year-Old Girl For Three Days Over Brother’s Alleged Crime, Family Alleges Harassment, Seeks IGP’s Intervention in Kwara

Ilorin, Kwara State– The family of a 16-year-old girl in Arandun, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has accused officers of the Nigerian Police Force of harassment, unlawful detention, and abuse of power after the minor was arrested and held for three days over an offence she allegedly did not commit.

The family is now calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to urgently investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.

Afrika Eyes gathered that the incident began after the girl’s brother was accused of stealing an electric generator belonging to a resident of the community.

When the police were unable to locate the suspect, they reportedly arrested the children’s mother instead.

According to the family, the woman was detained for three days at a police station in Arandun despite having no involvement in the alleged theft.

She was only released after she allegedly paid money both to cover the cost of the generator and for her bail.

However, the ordeal did not end there.

About a week after her release, police officers reportedly returned to the family’s home and arrested her 16-year-old daughter. The teenager was subsequently detained for three days, even though she was not linked to the alleged crime.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Arandun allegedly vowed to charge the minor to court despite the absence of evidence implicating her in the theft.

In a video obtained by Afrika Eyes, family members who visited the police station to demand the girl’s release were allegedly chased out by a police officer in mufti, described as wearing a sleeveless shirt and a black face cap.

The situation stirred outrage in the community, as neighbours and other residents reportedly stormed the police station to protest the teenager’s detention.

Despite being informed that the girl was underage, the officers allegedly showed no concern.

In another video, the distraught mother of the detained teenager made a public appeal for help, narrating her ordeal.

“Good morning Nigerians, please come to my rescue. One of my children misbehaved, and we searched for him but were unable to find him. After we could not locate him, the police came and arrested me and detained me,” she said.

“I spent three days in detention. The police collected money for bail from me before releasing me. After a week, the police came back and arrested my 16-year-old daughter.

“She also spent three days in detention, and I have been pleading with them to release her. The police vowed to charge her to court and promised to send her to prison, even though she is not the one who stole the item. Nigerians, please come to my rescue and help me.”

Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, Adetoun Adeyemi, said she had contacted the Divisional Police Officer in Arandun and was awaiting a detailed report on the matter.

“I have established contact with the DPO Arandun; he will furnish me with details of what transpired precisely,” she said.