The recent wave of protests sweeping across Nigeria, tagged #EndBadGovernance, has again brought to the fore the long-standing issue of police brutality in the country. The use of live bullets on unarmed protesters and journalists has sparked great concern and worries, raising questions about the role of the police and the sanctity of human life.
Premium Times reported how the police repeatedly fired tear gas and live bullets to disperse peaceful protesters in Abuja leading to injuries to many of them as well as journalists covering the protest.
The police reportedly targeted journalists, assaulting, brutalising and detaining some of them despite identifying them as journalists.
According to reports, at least 28 journalists, including a Premium Times reporter, were either arrested or attacked while covering the #EndBadGovernance protests across Nigeria.
On Thursday, police officers allegedly hit Yakubu Mohammed, a conflict reporter with Premium Times, with the butt of their gun and their batons until he sustained injuries on his head. He was then arrested and briefly detained in a police van placed near the Head of Service Building in the Secretariat area of Abuja. Mr Mohammed was wearing a press vest that clearly identified him as a journalist and also presented his identity card to the police officers.
“They told me they were not concerned about my ID card and that they had even arrested an NUJ chairman earlier,” he said.
Apart from Mr Mohammed and Jide Oyekunle, the Abuja NUJ chairman, 12 other journalists were assaulted by police operatives in Abuja, Cross River and Borno states, according to the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID).
Raising alarm over what it described as large-scale killing of protesters by policemen, the NLC, in a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, and titled ‘Stop This Massacre’, said, “With unconfirmed reports putting casualties at over 40 in two days of managing the the #EndHunger protest across the country, we have sufficient reasons (backed up by reports and video clips) to call to question the professionalism of our security personnel as this represents nothing but MASSACRE of citizens.”
It threatened that Organised Labour might be forced to declare an industrial action to protest the killing of innocent citizens if the wanton destruction of human lives by the police continues.
The failure of the police to provide adequate security also emboldened hoodlums to attack journalists. About eleven journalists were reported to have been attacked in a Channels TV vehicle, and in the process, TVC Correspondent Ibrahim Isah was injured while trying to escape the scene.
The police are yet to issue a statement about the attacks on journalists covering the protests despite allegations by the Abuja NUJ chairman who said the FCT Police Commissioner, Beneth Igwe, ordered the assault on him and other journalists covering the Abuja protest.
This is not to say the Nigeria Police is all negative. No. The Nigeria Police does well in various areas, despite facing numerous challenges and criticisms. The Force has implemented community policing initiatives, which focus on building relationships and trust with local communities. The police have successfully prevented and foiled several crime attempts, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and terrorism. It has improved traffic management in major cities, reducing congestion and accidents. Police officers have carried out successful rescue operations, saving lives and reuniting families. The NPF collaborates with international agencies, like Interpol, to combat transnational crimes. The Force has undergone reforms, introducing modern technologies and strategies to improve policing.
However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and areas for improvement, which include corruption, human rights abuses, inadequate funding and resources, inefficient investigation and prosecution processes, public perception and trust.
The Nigeria Police is not monolithic, and there are many dedicated, hardworking officers who strive to serve and protect the public. Recognizing such positives can help encourage and support efforts to address the challenges and improve policing in Nigeria.
A culture of impunity
Despite its good sides, the Nigeria Police has a notorious reputation for brutality, with a culture of impunity that perpetuates human rights abuses. The use of excessive force, torture, and extrajudicial killings have become all too common. The recent protests have only highlighted this entrenched problem.
The right to protest
The right to peaceful assembly and protest is enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, as well as international human rights law. However, the police have consistently demonstrated a disregard for this fundamental right, often responding to protests with violence.
It should be noted that, while protesting is a fundamental right, vandalizing and looting government properties is unacceptable and criminal. Such actions undermine the legitimacy of the protest and put innocent lives at risk.
In Nigeria, the law provides for consequences for those who engage in vandalism and looting during protests. The Criminal Code Act, Section 451 provides for a 10-year imprisonment term for malicious damage to property and the Public Order Act, Section 12(2)(b) prescribes a five-year imprisonment term for riotous assembly and destruction of property, among other laws.
The use of live bullets
The use of live bullets on protesters is a clear violation of human rights and international standards. The police claim that they are maintaining order and preventing chaos, but this argument rings hollow when confronted with the reality of unarmed citizens being killed and maimed.
Accountability and justice
The lack of accountability and justice for victims of police brutality has created a culture of silence and fear. Many cases go uninvestigated, and perpetrators are rarely brought to book. This impunity emboldens the police to continue their abuses, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Human rights abuse
The actions of the police constitute a clear human rights abuse, violating the rights to life, liberty, and security of person. The use of excessive force and live bullets on protesters is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of democratic values.
The #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria have highlighted the growing concern of police brutality towards journalists. Despite their crucial role in documenting and reporting on the protests, journalists have been subjected to beatings, harassment, and arrest by the police. Several journalists were attacked and arrested while performing their legitimate duties. Some were beaten with batons, while others had their equipment seized or destroyed. These attacks are a clear attempt to intimidate and silence the press, preventing them from holding those in power accountable. This trend is a disturbing attack on press freedom and a threat to democracy.
The police have a duty to maintain law and order, but this does not extend to violating the rights of journalists. The Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law guarantee the freedom of the press and the right to information. Journalists have a legitimate role to play in reporting on public events, including protests.
Consequences for democracy
The attacks on journalists have far-reaching consequences for democracy in Nigeria. A free press is essential for holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency. When journalists are silenced or intimidated, the public is denied access to information, and democracy suffers.
The police must be held accountable for their actions, and comprehensive reform is needed to protect the rights of journalists and ensure a free press. The future of democracy in Nigeria depends on it.
Reform
To address the issue of police brutality, comprehensive reform is needed. This includes training and capacity building where police officers are trained in human rights, de-escalation techniques, and community policing. Independent bodies must be established to investigate and prosecute cases of police brutality. The police must engage with communities to build trust and foster cooperation.
The #EndBadGovernance protests have highlighted the urgent need for police reform and accountability in Nigeria. The use of live bullets on protesters is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the erosion of democratic values. It is time for the government to take concrete steps to address police brutality and ensure that the rights of citizens are protected.
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*DaSilva, a communications strategist, journalist and public affairs analyst, can be reached via [email protected].
