Human rights activist Michael Adaramoye, also known as Michael Lenin, has criticized the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over its reaction to Amnesty International’s report detailing the deaths of 24 protesters during the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024. Lenin described the NPF’s actions as “shameless and cruel,” accusing the force of downplaying its role in the violent crackdown on peaceful demonstrators.
The report by Amnesty International highlighted the excessive use of force, including live ammunition, by security agents during the protests, leading to the deaths and injuries of several participants. Amnesty also noted the detention of protesters, including minors, for extended periods without just cause.
Lenin, who was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) during the protests, voiced his outrage, stating, “Thousands of Nigerians witnessed the brutality firsthand. The findings by Amnesty International only confirm the cruelty we endured at the hands of the NPF. It is disgraceful for the NPF to dismiss these well-documented accounts.”
He further accused the police of fostering a culture where “lies, cruelty, and inhumanity” are rewarded.
The Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), a prominent human rights advocacy group, also condemned the NPF for demanding that Amnesty International retract its report. The group argued that the findings were backed by evidence and testimonies from victims and eyewitnesses.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, and Public Relations Officer, Stephen Olabiyi, TIB stated, “The Nigerian Police’s retaliatory actions against Amnesty International undermine democracy and freedom of expression. Instead of suppressing the truth, the NPF should focus on investigating the allegations and improving its conduct during public demonstrations.”
The TIB commended the courage of those who shared their experiences of police brutality during the protests and reaffirmed its commitment to defending citizens’ rights.
Both Lenin and TIB stressed the importance of holding the NPF accountable for its actions during the #EndBadGovernance protests. They urged the police to acknowledge their role in the violence and work towards rebuilding public trust.
As the criticism mounts, activists and advocacy groups continue to demand justice for the victims and reforms to ensure that law enforcement agencies prioritize the safety and rights of Nigerian citizens.
