Nigeria Police Threaten Action Against Amnesty International Over #EndBadGovernance Report

 

By Ayo Kehinde

 

 

 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Amnesty International, demanding a retraction and public apology for its report on the #EndBadGovernance protests or face legal action.

Amnesty International in November 2024, in its report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, alleged that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 arrested during the nationwide hunger protest held between August 1-10, 2024, in Nigeria.

Driven by economic hardship, hunger, and frustration with governance, the peaceful protests, however, turned violent in parts of northern Nigeria, where some protesters waved Russian flags and looted public offices.

While Amnesty’s report accused the government of using excessive force, the police maintained that their actions during the protests adhered to global standards, even in the face of violent provocations.

A special panel constituted by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the claim, had in December 2024 concluded that the claims in Amnesty’s report were “false.”

Speaking on Tuesday in a statement, the Force Spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said a letter was sent to Amnesty International on January 6, 2025, demanding a retraction and apology for the report.

Adejobi said, “The NPF emphasises that during the protests, the police acted with restraint and professionalism, even at the highest point of provocation and violent attacks, adhering to global best practices and using minimal force where necessary.”

Noting that the police relied on evidence, including national media coverage to demonstrate their efforts to maintain law and order while protecting peaceful protesters, Adejobi clarified that criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were arrested and dealt with according to the law.

He expressed concern that Amnesty International’s report undermined the trust and confidence the police had worked to build with citizens.

“This misleading publication harms the reputation of the organisation and demoralises its officers who risk their lives to protect the public”, he said, adding that failure by Amnesty to comply with the demands would leave the Force with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect its reputation.