D.N Foundation

We’ve received disturbing news about this case, a 16-year-old girl, a minor, has been in police custody since yesterday for allegedly verbally insulting a court bailiff. On Tuesday, said bailiff allegedly visited the young girl's home to deliver a letter regarding tenancy to her mother. Unable to read it, her mother asked the bailiff to read it aloud. He refused and threw the letter at her, hitting her in the face. Upset by the disrespect shown to her mother, the young girl expressed her frustration, telling the bailiff it was wrong to treat an elderly woman that way. She continued to voice her displeasure as he left. The following day, the bailiff returned with a police officer, not in uniform, informing her mother that the girl needed to come with them to the police station, accusing her of “physically assaulting” the bailiff. By 10 PM, @dnfoundation was contacted for assistance at the station. When they requested bail for her, the police refused, stating the order to detain her had come from higher authorities. This case raises serious concerns about wrongful arrest, abuse of judicial process, denial of fair hearing, and the misuse of authority. As a minor, this young girl is entitled to special protections under Nigerian law and international conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Legal proceedings involving minors should prioritize their welfare and safeguard their rights throughout the process. We are monitoring the case closely and call on the relevant authorities to ensure that the girl is released.