The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has threatened to sue a human rights organisation, Amnesty International if it fails to apologise and retract their report titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on End Bad Governance Protests.”
In a leaked letter obtained by Newspread and dated January 6, signed by DCP Asuquo Effiong, Principal Officer II to the Inspector General of Police, the NGO’s report was described
as “damaging and misleading”.
Amnesty International had reported alleged human rights violations, excessive violence and police brutality during the August 2024 so-called EndBadGovernance protests.
But the leaked protest letter from the IGP categorically denied the allegations, calling them baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
“Having carefully reviewed the contents of this publication and conducted discreet investigation into all the claims in conjunction with respectable individuals and persons in authority, the Nigeria Police Force categorically rejects the baseless allegations of torture, violence, and the killing of peaceful protesters. These claims are entirely false, without foundation, and deeply damaging to the credibility of the Force,” the Police wrote.
“We hereby demand an immediate retraction of these falsehoods. Failure to do so will compel us to initiate legal proceedings against your organization to protect the integrity and reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.
“It is particularly disappointing that your publication fails to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police in maintaining law and order during the protests. Contrary to your claims, the Police acted with utmost restraint, employed minimum force where necessary, and adhered strictly to global best practices in managing the protests. Numerous pieces of evidence, including state-by-state documentation and national television coverage, show that officers.”
The Police also said: “Your publication, riddled with inaccuracies, not only undermines the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force but also erodes the confidence and trust that we have worked hard to build with Nigerian communities. This is a disservice to both the truth and the public interest.
“Public cooperation is crucial to fulfilling our duties to the people and we are working tirelessly to earn the confidence and trust of the Nigeria people we serve. Our officers have made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting communities. However, false publications like this undermine our efforts, damage our fragile public image and demoralize our officers, ultimately harming the people we serve. We will therefore no longer take kindly to the publication of deliberate falsehood against our organization. Enough is enough.
“In the light of the above, the Nigeria Police Force, in addition to demanding immediate withdrawal of this false publication, also demand a formal public apology addressed to the Nigeria Police Force.
“This retraction and apology must be made within seven (7) days of receipt of this letter. Failure to comply will leave the Nigeria Police Force with no choice but to take appropriate legal action to seek redress and redeem its well-earned reputation.
“We trust that your organization will take this matter seriously and act promptly to rectify the damage caused. We earnestly look forward to your response, please.”