By Ayomide Otitoju
One year after the Nigerian police violently suppressed peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests, Amnesty International has accused authorities of failing to ensure accountability for human rights abuses.
In a statement on Friday, the rights group said the government has ignored calls for justice, despite clear evidence of police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and the use of lethal force against protesters.
“The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.
According to the group’s investigation, at least 24 protesters were killed in northern states including Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna between August 1–10, 2024. Survivors also reported torture, starvation in detention, and biased trials based on bogus charges.
Amnesty revealed that several protesters were sentenced to jail, caning, or community service, with trials still ongoing in Abuja and other cities. Some minors reportedly collapsed during proceedings due to prolonged abuse in custody.
The protests, driven by rising economic hardship, inflation, and fuel price hikes, highlighted growing public dissatisfaction with governance in Nigeria.
