A non governmental organization, Rainbow Watch and Development organization has berated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for revealing the identity of a 10-year-old girl arrested over alleged drug peddling.
The organization in a statement said the protection and privacy of minors especially those involved in criminal cases is of utmost importance.
It noted that the agency’s actions in revealing the identity of the minor violate their rights as enshrined in domestic and international laws and treaties.
The statement reads,
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre, a leading child rights organization, strongly condemns the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for the recent incident in which the identity of a 10-year-old minor taken into custody on alleged drug peddling was exposed to the public.
The protection and privacy of minors, especially those involved in criminal cases, is of utmost importance. The NDLEA’s actions in revealing the identity of the minor violate their rights as enshrined in domestic and international laws and treaties. It is deeply concerning that a government agency tasked with upholding the law would disregard these fundamental principles.
Exposing the identity of a minor taken into custody not only jeopardizes their safety and well-being but also exposes them to potential stigmatization and harm. It is imperative that the NDLEA immediately rectifies this situation by taking appropriate measures to protect the privacy and rights of the minor involved.
Rainbow Watch and Development Centre calls on the NDLEA to conduct a thorough investigation into this incident and hold those responsible for the breach of confidentiality accountable. Additionally, we urge the agency to review its policies and procedures to ensure that the rights of minors are consistently protected and respected.
