- Safiu Kehinde
Socio-Economic Rights & Accountability Project (SERAP) Group has charged President Bola Tinubu to end the harassment of Amnesty International by the Nigerian Police Force.
SERAP made the charge in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday.
Reacting to the Force threat to sue Amnesty over its report on the #EndBadGovernance protest, the advocacy group held that the threat showed an escalating crackdown on civic space in the country.
“We urge President Tinubu to direct the police to immediately end their harassment and threat against Amnesty International in Nigeria solely for defending the rights of Nigerians. The threat shows an escalating crackdown on civic space in the country.” SERAP wrote.
NPO earlier reported the Nigerian Police Force’s demand for the retraction of Amnesty International’s report on the August 2024 protest where the humanitarian group had accused the Police of brutality, excessive use of violence, and human rights violation during the protest.
While rejecting the allegations, the NPF held that its personnel acted with restraint, professionalism, and in adherence to global best practices.
It accused Amnesty of harming the reputation of the organization and demoralize its officers who risk their lives to protect the public.
The Force, however, gave the humanitarian group seven days ultimatum to issues a formal retraction and public apology or risk facing legal action if it failed to comply.