Amnesty International: One Year After #EndBadGovernance Protests, Justice Still Eludes Victims

One year after the Nigerian police reportedly used lethal force and carried out mass arbitrary arrests during the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests, Amnesty International says the authorities have failed to deliver justice to victims and survivors.

The human rights organisation made this known in a statement posted to its official website and social media platforms on Friday, marking the one-year anniversary of the protests, which erupted on August 1, 2024, and lasted ten days, ending on August 10, 2024.

Sparked by rising public frustration over worsening economic conditions, inflation, soaring food prices, and the sharp hike in fuel costs, the protests drew widespread support across major cities in Nigeria. While demonstrators largely remained peaceful, several locations witnessed violent crackdowns by security forces, resulting in numerous deaths and arrests.

According to Amnesty International’s investigation, at least 24 protesters were killed by police officers between August 1 and 10 in the northern states of Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna. Many others were arbitrarily arrested, with several facing prosecution based on what the organisation described as “bogus charges.” Trials are ongoing in Abuja and several northern states.

“The Nigerian authorities are yet to take appropriate and effective measures to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

The report also revealed that police officers fired live ammunition at close range—often targeting the head or torso indicating a shoot-to-kill approach. Some survivors sustained gunshot injuries to the limbs, while others suffered the effects of indiscriminate tear gas use. Allegations of torture, starvation, and inhumane treatment during detention were also documented, including reports that minors collapsed during court proceedings in Abuja due to prolonged mistreatment.

In Maiduguri, Borno State, some protesters were convicted and sentenced to community service, corporal punishment, or imprisonment after what Amnesty called a “sham trial.” Charges included forming an alleged anti-government group, “Zanga Zanga,” and plotting to take up arms against the state.

In Abuja, several protesters still face trial in a Federal High Court on serious charges such as levying war against the state, inciting mutiny, and attempting to destabilise the country.

Amnesty International strongly condemned what it described as the Nigerian government’s violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests, calling it a blatant violation of human rights and democratic freedoms.

“The government has failed to hold the police accountable for the horrific attacks on peaceful protesters,” the statement said. “Impunity for these abuses only emboldens security forces to continue using firearms as a tactic to suppress dissent.”

The organisation reiterated that the #EndBadGovernance movement was a call for improved governance and accountability in Nigeria, not an act of rebellion.

“One year later, victims and survivors are still waiting for justice. The Nigerian government must act urgently to address these human rights abuses and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” the statement added.

Amnesty International also called on the international community to pressure the Nigerian government to uphold human rights standards, stating that the use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests must be condemned globally.

“The protests may have ended, but the quest for justice and accountability is far from over. The Nigerian government must prioritise the safety and dignity of its citizens and ensure that security forces are held accountable for their actions.”