Police May Sue Amnesty International Over Publication
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Loading... - Angelina Eshiet
- 14 Jan 2025
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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced its intention to take legal action against Amnesty International over what it describes as a false publication regarding the protests against bad governance. The police have demanded an immediate retraction and public apology concerning the report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria government’s violent crackdown on and bad governance protests,” which was addressed in a letter dated January 6, 2025.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF rejected the claims made in the publication, which it alleges contains numerous unsubstantiated accusations of human rights violations, police brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 protests aimed at ending bad governance. The police assert that these allegations are entirely false and lack any foundation.
The NPF emphasized that during the protests, its officers acted with restraint and professionalism, even in the face of provocation and violent attacks. They claim to have adhered to global best practices, using minimal force when necessary. The police pointed to evidence, including national media coverage, to support their assertion that they worked to maintain law and order while protecting peaceful protesters. They acknowledged that criminal elements attempting to exploit the protests were arrested and dealt with according to the law.
The police force expressed concern that the misleading publication undermines the trust and confidence they have worked hard to build with Nigerian citizens and residents. They further stated that such false claims damage the reputation of the organization and demoralize officers who risk their lives to protect the public.
In light of these allegations, the NPF has given Amnesty International a seven-day ultimatum to issue a formal retraction and public apology. Should the organization fail to comply, the NPF has indicated that it will consider legal actions to protect its reputation.
Adejobi reiterated the NPF's commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians, upholding the law, and earning the trust of the communities they serve.
