Police threaten to sue Amnesty if #EndBadGovernance protest report is not retracted

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has threatened to sue Amnesty International if a report on the #EndBadGovernance protest is not retracted within seven days.

In November 2024, Amnesty published a report titled: ‘Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests’.

In the report, the organisation said at least 24 protesters were killed.

The global human rights organisation said 1,200 protesters were arrested during the marches.

In December 2024, NPF said the inspector-general of police had constituted a special investigation panel to investigate the “claims” made by Amnesty.

The police had said the panel found the report to be false and requested the organisation to retract same and issue an apology.

In a statement on Tuesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the NPF had written a letter dated January 6, 2025 to Amnesty to demand an apology and retraction of the “false” report.

Adejobi said the NPF “believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence” of the citizens in the police.

“The NPF emphasizes 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,” the statement reads.

“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 organization and demoralize 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 nationwide protest against economic hardship, biting hunger and bad governance lasted from August 1-10.

The protest turned violent in certain northern states, with some demonstrators spotted waving Russian flags.