Why I declared myself IGP – 11-year-old Gift Osayuhi opens up

The 11-year old boy, Gift Osayuhi, who was arrested over his alleged involvement in the Edo Police Station attack and later declared himself as the new Inspector General of Police, IGP, has finally revealed why he did so.

The boy told the Police that his dream was to become a Police officer, rise to the position of IGP and the #EndSARS protest provided the opportunity; he quickly joined the protest and declared himself IGP.

Though Osayuhi has been been granted unconditional release from custody through one Kola Edokpayi, a human rights advocate, who secured his release, it was not certain if he has given up on his dream.

The boy was arrested for allegedly joining the gang of hoodlums that attacked Oba Market Police Station at Evbuotubu area of Benin City, Edo State.

After the attack, the young boy was said to have worn the uniform of a Police Sergeant and declared himself as the Inspector General of Police (IGP).

Confirming the development on Friday October 30, Mr. Edokpayi thanked the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Kokumo and the State Ministry of Justice for their understanding and cooperation.

He also disclosed that the boy, whose mother is a widow, said that his dream is to become the IGP.

“We have been able to secure the unconditional release of the 11 year old boy by name Gift Osayuhi, whose picture went viral on social media for allegedly joining some miscreants to break into Oba Market Police Station, took their Police uniform, wore it and declared himself as the new IG of Police during the #EndSARS protest.”

“The boy was released to us after we undertook to rehabilitate and reform him,” Mr. Edokpayi said.

“The young boy said his dream is to become the IG of Police and we also undertook to ensure the boy is given a proper education so as to help help him achieve his dream.

We sincerely thank Edo State Commissioner of Police and Edo State Ministry of Justice for the kind understanding and cooperation.

We also met with his mother, who told us she is a widow who takes care of the children alone and the little boy usually assists her to sell water and drinks at Ring Road.”