Police Dismiss Allegations of Misconduct in August Protests  

The Nigeria Police Force has denied accusations by Amnesty International claiming the use of excessive force and illegal arrests during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024.  According to a statement from the Force, these claims are inaccurate and contradict reports submitted by police commands involved in managing the protests.   The police maintained that officers followed strict guidelines throughout the demonstrations, ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters while addressing violent situations with specialized units.  The Inspector-General of Police had instructed officers to avoid using arms unless protests escalated into violent riots threatening lives or property.   READ ALSO: Full List: Amnesty International Identifies 24 Protesters Killed During August Protest Officials also clarified that arrests were focused on individuals engaged in criminal acts such as vandalism, looting, and arson.  The Force emphasized that detainees were treated lawfully, and no protester fatalities were caused by police actions.   In a reconciliatory move, the Federal Government has pardoned those arrested during the protests, furthering efforts to foster national unity.

Many ENDSARS Protesters Still Languishing In Lagos Prisons –Amnesty Int’l

Amnesty International has reported that a total of fifteen protesters, arrested in 2020 during the #EndSARS protests, are still being arbitrarily detained three years after the movement that shook Nigeria. The majority of these detainees are held in Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre and Ikoyi Medium Security Correctional Centre in Lagos, without trial. According to human rights group, charges filed against the protesters include theft, arson, possession of unlawful firearms, and murder, some of whom have alleged torture. Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed concern, stating, “Our investigation shows the Nigerian authorities’ utter disdain for human rights. Three years in detention without trial is a travesty of justice. The protesters must be immediately and unconditionally released.” The report also highlighted the ongoing issue of police brutality in Nigeria despite claims of comprehensive police reforms following the #EndSARS protests. “The police continue to commit violations of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, harassment, arbitrary detention, and extortion with almost absolute impunity,” he said, adding that Amnesty International documented the unlawful killing of at least six people by law enforcement officers in the past year. Amnesty International further called on Nigerian authorities to take concrete and effective measures to end police impunity, including giving clear directives to the police not to violate human rights. It also urged genuine reforms to address widespread human rights violations by the police. The #EndSARS protests in Nigeria began on October 8, 2020, in response to the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police brutality. The protests led to casualties, including peaceful protesters and individuals hired to confront the protesters. Despite claims, police reforms, and ongoing investigations, concerns about human rights abuses and justice persist.