Nigeria Police Demand Apology, Retraction from Amnesty International Over Protest Allegations
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has written to Amnesty International, demanding a public apology and the retraction of a publication accusing the police of human rights violations during the End-Bad-Governance protests in August 2024.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
The letter, dated Jan. 6, was issued in response to Amnesty International’s report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on Bad Governance Protests.”
According to the statement, the publication alleged police brutality, excessive violence, and human rights violations during the protests. However, the NPF has rejected these claims, describing them as unfounded and unsubstantiated.
ACP Adejobi stated that the police conducted a thorough review and investigation of the allegations and found them baseless. He emphasized that the police demonstrated professionalism and restraint throughout the protests, even under provocation and violent attacks.
He added that criminal elements who exploited the protests were arrested and handled in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has diligently built with Nigerian citizens and residents,” Adejobi said.
He further noted that such false claims could damage the NPF’s reputation and demoralize officers who risk their lives to protect the public.
Demands from Amnesty International
The NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issue a formal retraction and a public apology within seven days.
“Failure to comply will prompt the NPF to consider legal actions to protect its reputation,” Adejobi warned.
He reiterated the commitment of the police to safeguarding lives and property, upholding the law, and earning the trust of Nigerians.
The End-Bad-Governance protests in August 2024 were marked by widespread demonstrations across Nigeria, calling for reforms and accountability in governance. The police have since maintained that they acted within the law and adhered to global best practices in handling the protests.
