EndBadGovernance: Police Reject Amnesty International’s Report, Demand Apology
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The authorities of the Nigeria Police Force have denied Amnesty International’s report of extrajudicial killings alleged to have been perpetrated by the Police Operatives during the #EndBadGovernance Protests.
The Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, while briefing journalists in Abuja on Sunday, averred that the claims made by the international human rights organisation on 28 November, were false, misleading, and damaging to the image of the force.
TheFact Daily recalls that Amnesty International had, in its reports, accused the police of hurting unarmed protesters and claimed that at least 24 people were killed in six northern states.
According to Adejobi, the Force had constituted a Special Investigative Panel to verify the claims, but insisted that “the 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”.
The Force spokesman referenced some cases cited in the report, saying that contrary to the organisation’s claims, findings by the police indicated that police personnel did not use grenades in Borno State.
He also refuted allegations that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja area of Niger State, adding that the
alleged killing of a 21-year-old in Katsina was also found to be untrue, as local sources confirmed that no such incident occurred.
According to Adejobi, the Force operates under the highest professional standards and remains fully committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
He insisted that police operatives deployed for protest management are regularly being trained in compliance with international human rights standards.
“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.
“We therefore urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions,” Adejobi maintained.
