by Nurat Uthman
The police authorities on Sunday has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings during the #EndBadGovernance Protests.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the claims in November 28 report by Amnesty International were false, misleading, and damaging to the image of the force.
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.
But Adejobi stated that the Force had constituted a Special Investigative Panel to verify the claims.
“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 said.
“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.”
He referenced some cases cited in the report, saying 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.
Adejobi said 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.
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.
