Amnesty International has strongly condemned the reported use of excessive force by security operatives during Monday’s peaceful protests in Abuja, where demonstrators called for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement on Monday, the global human rights organization described the actions of security agencies as “lethal and unlawful,” noting that protesters, lawyers, and journalists were subjected to arrests, beatings, confiscation of cameras, and reckless use of tear gas.
Amnesty International said the Nigerian authorities had once again failed to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression as guaranteed by the constitution and international human rights conventions.
“All incidents of human rights violations must be investigated impartially, and suspected perpetrators must be brought to justice through fair trials,” the organization stated.
The group also raised concerns over reports of a broader crackdown on peaceful demonstrators in Abuja and called for the immediate and unconditional release of those arrested. It reiterated that any attempt to suppress lawful protests amounts to a violation of fundamental freedoms.
“The Nigerian authorities must ensure that security agencies respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest, as guaranteed by both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” Amnesty International said.
The organization further urged the government to demonstrate genuine commitment to its constitutional and international obligations by allowing citizens to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association without fear of intimidation or violence.
