Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has strongly condemned the Nigerian Police Force’s alleged harassment and threat of legal action against Amnesty International Nigeria.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Falana denounced the intimidation and harassment faced by the organization simply for carrying out its legitimate work.

The Nigerian Police had sent a letter on January 6, 2025, demanding that Amnesty International immediately retract and apologize for its publication, “Nigeria: Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests.”

The police accused the report of containing “unsubstantiated claims” that falsely accused the police of human rights violations, brutality, and excessive violence during the August 2024 protests.

They insisted that the allegations were “baseless” and demanded a public retraction within seven days or face legal action.

In his response, Falana described the police’s threat of legal action against Amnesty International as an act of reprisal, harassment, and intimidation.

He warned that such actions would create a climate of fear, hindering civil society organizations, activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and ordinary citizens from exercising their rights freely and safely.

Falana also expressed grave concern over the growing disregard for human rights and the erosion of the rule of law in Nigeria.

He called for an end to the intimidation, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights treaties, which guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, assembly, and access to justice.

He reminded the Nigerian Police that their duty is to uphold human rights and that the work of activists and civil society groups is crucial to ensuring accountability and promoting rule of law and democracy.

He also referenced international standards, including the United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, which mandates that law enforcement use force only when absolutely necessary and in proportion to the need for duty performance.

Falana urged the police to stop obstructing human rights defenders and to respect the rights enshrined in both national and international legal frameworks.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, 67 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) urged President Bola Tinubu to put an end to the ongoing crackdown on activists, journalists, and other Nigerians who are peacefully exercising their rights.

The organizations condemned the recent intimidation, harassment, and threats against Amnesty International by the Nigeria Police Force over its report on the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The CSOs expressed grave concern over the police’s legal threats against Amnesty International regarding the organization’s report, “Nigeria: Bloody August,” which highlights the violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The report noted that the police killed at least 27 protesters and arrested approximately 800 during the protests in August 2024.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana also cited reports of 22 deaths and over 2,000 arrests.

The statement further emphasized the failure of Nigerian authorities to investigate these alleged human rights violations effectively.

Instead of addressing these grave concerns, the CSOs accused the police of focusing on intimidating organizations like Amnesty International, which have been highlighting human rights abuses.

This has contributed to the repression of civic space, threatening the ability of activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and others to carry out their work freely.

The CSOs demanded that the Tinubu administration take immediate action to end the harassment against Amnesty International and allow the organization to continue its human rights activities without fear of retaliation.

Additionally, they called for a comprehensive, impartial investigation into the human rights violations during the protests and for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

The statement concluded by urging the government to halt all forms of repression, judicial harassment, and intimidation against civil society groups and ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association are respected in the country.

The CSOs expressed their solidarity with Amnesty International and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding human rights in Nigeria.

Two suspects have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Kano and Nasarawa states for their involvement in terrorism financing and the possession of counterfeit currencies.

The arrests were made as part of the efforts by the Police to combat financial crimes, particularly those linked to terrorism financing.

The suspects, Nura Ibrahim and Ephraim Barde, were apprehended with significant sums of counterfeit currency.

Ibrahim was arrested on December 8, 2024, in Gwale, Kano, after operatives acted on credible intelligence.

The police seized counterfeit currency totaling over N129.54 million, which included 3.36 million U.S. dollars, 51,970 CFA francs, and 1.44 million Nigerian naira.

On January 13, 2025, in New Karu, Nasarawa State, 53-year-old Ephraim Barde was arrested with $160,000 in fake U.S. dollar notes.

Further investigations into Barde’s activities and potential accomplices are underway.

The establishment of the Police Anti-Money Laundering Units, as announced by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, is part of the strategic initiative to counter terrorism financing.

The units are set to work across all State Criminal Investigation Departments (SCIDs), with CP Hyacinth Azuka Edozie, a financial expert, leading the efforts.

Adejobi emphasized that these arrests were part of the police’s broader commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing illicit financial activities that could destabilize the country.

He also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to financial crimes or counterfeit currencies.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces, emphasizing that the nation owes them eternal gratitude for their service and commitment.

Mbah made the remarks during the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in the state capital on Wednesday.

In his speech, Governor Mbah acknowledged the significant role of the Armed Forces in ensuring peace and security in Enugu State and across the nation.

He described their service as a lifelong commitment to the safety of the country, often at great personal risk, and praised their contributions both in Nigeria and during international peacekeeping missions.

“We owe our Armed Forces an eternal debt of gratitude—this is not just a sentiment for one day but a lifelong obligation,” Mbah said.

He highlighted the bravery of Nigerian forces in historic missions in places like Burma, Congo, South Sudan, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, noting their dedication to international peace and security.

The Governor also stressed the importance of providing both material and emotional support to the families of fallen heroes, as well as to those still in active service.

He called for collective empathy and care for the widows, children, and families who bear the loss of their loved ones.

“We must ensure that the families left behind by our fallen heroes receive the support they deserve. Their sacrifice demands not just our words but tangible actions to fill the void left by their absence,” he said.

Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces, both active and retired, alongside the federal government’s efforts.

He emphasized that the laying of wreaths in honor of the fallen heroes was not merely symbolic but a reminder of the obligation to care for their families.

In his address, Barr. Emeka Igweshi, Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Enugu State, urged that the responsibility of supporting veterans and their families should not rest solely with the government but be embraced by all citizens.

The event included a parade, the laying of wreaths, and the release of pigeons as a symbol of lasting peace.

Key attendees included senior government officials, military leaders, and dignitaries such as the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and members of the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

Military leaders present included Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division Nigerian Army; Brig. Gen. Stephen Dogo, Garrison Commander; Air Vice Marshal Umar Abubakar, Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Ground Training Command; and several other senior officials from the Nigerian Armed Forces, police, and other security agencies.

A 24-year-old undergraduate, Rita Ogbolu, was arraigned before the Evbuoriaria Magistrates’ Court in Benin on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting two police officers during a routine patrol.

Ogbolu is facing a five-count charge of conspiracy and assault, with the police prosecutor, Mr. P.O. Odion, stating that she and an accomplice, Samuel, who is currently at large, committed the offences on January 10, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m. on Sapele Road, Benin.

According to the prosecution, Ogbolu unlawfully assaulted ASP Monday Omobude and ASP Aghahowa Anthony while they were performing their official duties.

It was also alleged that she tore the uniform of the team leader during the incident.

The charges against her contravene Sections 412(2), 173(b), and 313 of the Edo State Criminal Law, 2022. Ogbolu pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Magistrate Mrs. Endurance Osemwegie granted Ogbolu bail in the sum of N200,000, with one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned to January 24, 2025, for further hearing.