#EndBadGovernance: Police to Amnesty – Withdraw Protest Report or Face Lawsuit
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a stern warning to Amnesty International, demanding the retraction of a report on the #EndBadGovernance protests or face potential legal action. The report, titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”, was published by Amnesty International in November 2024, claiming that at least 24 protesters were killed and 1,200 arrested during the nationwide demonstrations.
The protests, which took place from August 1 to 10, 2024, were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the state of governance, economic hardship, and rising hunger across the country. While the protests were largely peaceful, some instances of violence were reported, particularly in northern states where protesters were seen waving Russian flags.
In December 2024, the NPF responded by setting up a special investigation panel led by the Inspector-General of Police to look into the allegations made by Amnesty International. The police force later concluded that the claims were false, prompting a demand for the organization to retract its report and issue a formal apology.
On Tuesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the NPF’s spokesperson, confirmed that the force had formally written to Amnesty International, requesting the retraction and apology. The letter, dated January 6, 2025, insists that the report undermines public trust in the police.
“The NPF believes that this misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence of the citizens in the police,” Adejobi said in the statement. He added that the police had acted with “restraint and professionalism” during the protests, despite facing “violent attacks and provocation.” The NPF emphasized that it adhered to global best practices, using minimal force where necessary to manage the situation.
Also Read: #EndBadGovernance: Police Blasts Amnesty Internal’s Report, Demands Apology
The police also highlighted media coverage from national outlets, which they claim demonstrates their efforts to maintain law and order while safeguarding peaceful protesters. However, they acknowledged that criminal elements attempted to exploit the protests, leading to arrests and legal action.
“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,” the statement continued. The NPF warned that failure to comply with the retraction demand within seven days would force them to consider legal actions to protect their reputation.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, which were fueled by widespread public frustration over Nigeria’s economic challenges, gained momentum in August 2024, becoming one of the largest mass demonstrations in recent years. While the protests were largely peaceful, the violence that erupted in certain regions has been a point of contention, with both the police and protesters exchanging accusations of misconduct.
