#EndBadGovernance Protests: Police Reject Amnesty International Report, Demands Apology

Olufemi Orunsola 

Authorities of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have on Sunda denied allegations of extrajudicial killings and other allegations levied against the force by the Amnesty International report on the #EndBadGovernance Protests in the country 

The Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi,made this known while briefing the press on Sunday, noting that the claims in thd November 28 report by Amnesty International were false, misleading, and damaging to the image of the force.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that among other things, Amnesty International accused the police of hurting unarmed protesters and claimed that at least 24 people were killed in six northern states.

However, Adejobi countered that claim, revealing that the Force had constituted a Special Investigative Panel to verify the claims.

According to him, “These allegations are not only false and misleading but are also a clear attempt to incite the general public against the police and tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force in the eyes of the international community."

He further upheld that “The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the allegations of excessive use of force as claimed by Amnesty International as these claims are false, misleading, and an unfair misrepresentation of the actions and conduct of our officers.”

While referring to some cases cited in the report, Adejobi maintained that contrary to the organisation’s claims, findings by the police indicated that police personnel didn’t use grenades in Borno State.

The Force spokesman also debunked allegations that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja area of Niger State.

He further said that the alleged killing of a 21-year-old in Katsina was also found to be untrue, adding that local sources confirmed that no such incident occurred.

Adejobi maintained that the Force operates under the highest professional standards and remains fully committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law, insisting that police operatives deployed for protest management are regularly being trained in compliance with international human rights standards.

He further revealed that “The Nigeria Police Force will in due time be writing the Amnesty International to demand for a retraction of this report from the public space and with a public apology.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation.

Concluding, Adejobi made a plea to Nigerians "to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions."