Human rights activist Michael Adaramoye, widely known as Michael Lenin, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for its response to Amnesty International’s report detailing the deaths of at least 24 protesters during the #EndBadGovernance demonstrations in August 2024.
Adaramoye described the NPF’s actions as “shameless and cruel,” especially given the report’s revelations of excessive force against peaceful protesters. Amnesty International’s findings revealed that live ammunition was used, resulting in the deaths of 24 individuals and numerous injuries.
Lenin, who was previously arrested and detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) during the protests, condemned the police’s attempt to discredit Amnesty International’s report. He said:
“This is the height of shamelessness by the Nigerian Police Force and Adejobi Olumuyiwa. Thousands of Nigerians participated in the #EndBadGovernance protests. We witnessed the brutality of police officers, the attacks on protesters, and the unlawful detention of innocent Nigerians, including minors.
“Amnesty International’s report reflects the brutal reality we experienced during the protests. The NPF’s actions are a testament to the cruelty and inhumanity that define its operations. It’s appalling.”
Advocacy Group Joins the Criticism
The Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), a human rights organization, also condemned the NPF for demanding a retraction of Amnesty International’s report. The group refuted the police’s claims, asserting that substantial evidence and eyewitness testimonies back Amnesty International’s findings.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, and Public Relations Officer, Stephen Olabiyi, TIB criticized the police’s retaliatory stance, stating:
“The Nigerian Police Force’s actions undermine democracy and the freedom of expression. Suppressing the truth erodes public trust in institutions meant to protect citizens.”
TIB commended the courage of individuals who shared their experiences of mistreatment during the protests. The group urged the NPF to investigate the allegations, address police misconduct, and improve their approach to handling public demonstrations.
The statement emphasized that attempts to intimidate human rights organizations and dismiss verified reports only deepen the divide between law enforcement and the public.
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