End Bad Governance Protest: Police Demand Apology From Amnesty International
The Nigeria Police Force has given the Nigerian office of Amnesty International seven days to offer public apology and retract its report on the police handling of the August 2024 end bad governance nationwide protest.
The ultimatum is contained in a letter sent to the organisation by the police.
The police authorities in Nigeria are angry with the Amnesty’s report titled ‘Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on and Bad Governance Protests’.
“The publication in question, which includes numerous unsubstantiated claims, falsely accuses the Nigeria Police of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 End Bad Governance protests.
“Upon careful review and investigation, the NPF categorically rejects these baseless allegations, affirming that the claims are entirely false and without foundation,” a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said.
The police authorities said the various police personnel deployed to the field acted with restraint and professionalism, used minimal force where necessary and adhered to global best practices in spite of provocation and violent attacks on them by the protesters.
“Evidence, including national media coverage, demonstrates the Police’s efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. Criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were however arrested and dealt with according to law.
“The Nigeria Police Force strongly believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence it has worked diligently to build with Nigerian citizens and residents. The Force further underscores that such false claims harm the reputation of the organisation and demoralise its officers who risk their lives to protect the public.
“In light of these falsehoods, the NPF has demanded that Amnesty International issues a formal retraction and public apology within seven days. Failure to comply will prompt the NPF to consider legal actions to protect its reputation.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to its duty of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and earning the trust of the people it serves.”
