One Year After Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests, Amnesty International Slams Nigerian Authorities for Failing Victims

Amnesty International has strongly criticized the Nigerian government for its failure to deliver justice one year after the violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests. The human rights organization made the statement on Friday via its official website and social media platforms, marking the one-year anniversary of the nationwide demonstrations.

The protests, which erupted on August 1, 2024, and lasted until August 10, 2024, were fueled by growing public frustration over worsening economic conditions, rising fuel prices, and skyrocketing inflation. Citizens across major cities in Nigeria joined the movement to demand accountability and improved governance. However, the protests turned deadly in some areas following confrontations with security forces.

According to Amnesty International’s investigation, at least 24 protesters were killed by police in states such as Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger, and Kaduna. The organization reported that officers used live ammunition at close range, often aiming at the head or torso—suggesting a clear intention to kill. Survivors recounted being shot in the limbs, while others suffered suffocation from tear gas.

Beyond the killings, Amnesty also uncovered cases of torture and inhumane detention conditions. Some protesters, including minors, were reportedly starved, and one minor collapsed in court during proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 1, 2024.

Despite overwhelming evidence showing that the protesters had not broken any laws, many continue to face trial across Abuja, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and Kaduna. Amnesty described the charges—including “levying war against the state,” “inciting mutiny,” and forming a group named “Zanga Zanga”—as fabricated and politically motivated. In Borno State, protesters were reportedly sentenced to imprisonment, caning, or forced community service after what the group called “sham trials.”

Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, Isa Sanusi, condemned the government’s heavy-handed response, saying the authorities had failed in their obligation to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

“The continued use of lethal force and arbitrary arrests by Nigerian security forces shows a blatant disregard for human rights,” the statement read. “The government must be held accountable for these violations and ensure that justice is served for all victims.”

The organization further urged the international community to speak out and pressure the Nigerian government to end the culture of impunity. It warned that the failure to punish those responsible for these abuses only emboldens the security forces to continue using excessive force as a crowd-control tactic.

While the protests have ended, Amnesty stressed that the demand for justice and reform remains ongoing. “The #EndBadGovernance protests were a plea for better governance. One year later, victims and survivors are still waiting for justice,” the statement concluded.