Police Dismiss Amnesty International Report On Protest Allegations, Demand Retraction And Apology

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims made in Amnesty International’s report concerning alleged misconduct during the EndBadGovernance protests. The police described the report as false, misleading, and damaging to their reputation, urging the human rights organization to retract it and issue a public apology.

Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, revealed that a special investigative panel, in collaboration with state police commissioners, conducted extensive investigations into the allegations. The findings, according to Adejobi, disprove Amnesty International’s claims and highlight inaccuracies in its reporting.

“Amnesty International is advised to ensure its reports are accurate and provide a fair representation of events impacting national security and public safety. The integrity of any international organization depends on the accuracy of its findings, and Amnesty International must not be an exception,” Adejobi stated.

He added that the police would formally request the removal of the report from the public domain, accompanied by a public apology.

Adejobi detailed several findings from the police investigations, contradicting Amnesty International’s assertions:

• Borno State: The police dismissed claims of using grenades during the protests. Adejobi stated that the protests in Maiduguri were marked by looting and vandalism, including damage to facilities belonging to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees and the World Food Programme. The allegation that police threw a grenade from a convoy, killing three people, was labeled a “blatant falsehood.”
• Niger State: The police debunked claims of three protesters being shot dead in Suleja, finding no evidence to support the allegations.
• Katsina State: Allegations about the killing of a 21-year-old were also unsubstantiated, with local sources confirming that no such incident occurred.
• Kaduna State: Contrary to Amnesty International’s report, the police stated there were no protests in Kaduna on October 1, 2024, nor any related killings. An incident involving the Nigerian Army was identified and investigated.
• Jigawa State: Amnesty International alleged three deaths during protests, but police investigations revealed that the sole fatality was caused by protester violence, not police action.
• Kano State: The report claimed 12 protester deaths due to police actions. Adejobi clarified that investigations showed these deaths resulted from violent confrontations involving looters and criminals, not police intervention.

Adejobi criticized Amnesty International for sensationalizing events, accusing the organization of undermining public trust in law enforcement. He reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and maintaining national stability.

“We urge the public to remain cautious of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust in law enforcement institutions. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in upholding the law and ensuring public safety,” Adejobi concluded.

The police findings challenge Amnesty International’s report, which alleged the deaths of at least 24 unarmed protesters across six northern states. The matter continues to stir public debate over the accuracy of human rights reporting and law enforcement accountability in Nigeria.