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.
LEADERSHIP recalls that in November 2024, Amnesty International published a report titled: ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’.
The report alleged that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 arrested during the nationwide demonstrations that held between August 1-10, 2024.
In response, the police launched an investigation through a special panel constituted by the Inspector-General of Police in December 2024 which concluded that the claims in Amnesty’s report were “false.”
Spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, that a letter was sent to Amnesty International on January 6, 2025, demanding a retraction and apology for the report.
“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,” Adejobi stated.
He added that the police relied on evidence, including national media coverage to demonstrate their efforts to maintain law and order while protecting peaceful protesters.
According to Adejobi, 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,” the statement read.
The NPF emphasised that failure by Amnesty to comply with the demands would leave the Force with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect the its reputation.
The #EndBadGovernance protests were driven by economic hardship, hunger, and frustration with governance.
The demonstrations were largely peaceful but turned violent in parts of northern Nigeria, where some protesters were seen waving Russian flags and public offices were looted.
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.
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