The Nigeria Police Force has given Amnesty International seven days to retract a recent report accusing the police of extrajudicial killings during the August 2024 “End Bad Governance” protests.
The police are also insisting on a public apology, threatening legal action if their demands are not met.
The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests,” was released by Amnesty International on November 28, 2024.
It alleged that police actions during the protests resulted in at least 24 deaths across six northern states, namely Borno, Niger, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna.
However, the police said an internal investigation ordered by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, concluded that the reported fatalities were not caused by police actions.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed that the police had sent a formal letter dated January 6, 2025, to Amnesty International, rejecting the allegations in the report.
“The Nigeria Police Force has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology regarding the publication titled ‘Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests,’” Adejobi said.
He described the allegations as “baseless,” adding, “The NPF categorically rejects these unsubstantiated claims, affirming that the accusations are entirely false and without foundation.”
Adejobi emphasised that during the protests, the police maintained professionalism and restraint, even in the face of provocations and violent attacks.
“The Police adhered to global best practices, using minimal force where necessary. Evidence, including national media coverage, highlights the Police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters,” he stated.
He added that criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were arrested and prosecuted in line with the law.
The NPF’s letter to Amnesty International gives the organisation a seven-day ultimatum to issue a retraction and apology. Failure to comply, Adejobi warned, would lead to legal action.
“This misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence the NPF has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens. It also harms the reputation of the organization and demoralizes its officers who risk their lives daily to protect the public,” the statement read.
The police insist that such allegations harm their credibility and the morale of officers. They reiterated their commitment to protecting the public while upholding human rights and maintaining law and order.