Community members in Iba have raised an alarm over the alleged unlawful arrest and detention of three minors by officers of the Iba Police Division, Crime Unit.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from parents, human rights advocates, and child protection organisations, who describe the case as a grave violation of the Child Rights Act and police regulations.
According to eyewitness accounts, the dispute began when children playing football near the residence of a man known locally as Baba Wale accidentally kicked their ball into his compound.
Parents allege that Baba Wale has a history of seizing and destroying children’s footballs. When the children retrieved their ball from the compound through an open fence, a zinc door was reportedly damaged.
The following morning, Baba Wale returned with a woman and allegedly identified one of the children, Favour, who was taken away without parental consent. Later, it was discovered that three boys had been detained at the Iba Police Division.
Community members and ZEECFOUNDATION, a child rights advocacy group, reported that police officers accused the children of stealing ₦50,000 from Baba Wale’s mother.
However, no evidence of the alleged theft was presented, and the supposed complainant had not filed a formal statement. Despite this, the minors were interrogated and had statements taken without the presence of parents, guardians, or legal representatives.
ZEECFOUNDATION representatives contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who initially assured that the matter was limited to property damage and that the children would be released to their parents. However, relatives attempting to follow up at the station were denied access.
Officers reportedly stated that because human rights organisations had been involved, the children would not be released unless bail conditions were met. Inspector Philomena later informed the family that the children’s release was contingent on payment of ₦100,000 bail.
This demand directly contradicts Nigerian Police Force regulations, which prohibit charging fees for bail, especially in cases involving minors.
One child has been released to his mother, while two children remain in detention after spending the night at the police station. Bail conditions remain unmet due to the financial demand.
The arrests and detention have been described as violations of the Child Rights Act, particularly Sections 204–207, which guarantee dignity and parental or legal presence during interrogation.
They also contravene Nigeria Police Force Standard Operating Procedures, which prohibit detention of minors without parental involvement and forbid monetary demands for bail. Human rights advocates argue that the case reflects abuse of office, bribery, and corruption, with serious implications for child protection and police accountability.
ZEECFOUNDATION and community members are urging immediate release of the detained children, investigation into the conduct of officers involved, accountability measures for Iba Police Division leadership, and intervention by the Gender Unit of the State Police Command, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The continued detention of these children, despite clear legal protections, reflects a disturbing level of impunity and disregard for child rights and must be urgently addressed.
