Targeting Amnesty International Nigeria and Others: Can the President and National Assembly Rein in the IGP’s Abuse of Power Before It Backfires?
The growing outcry against the systematic abuse of Nigerians, journalists, and activists through repressive laws highlights an urgent call for action. Human rights organisations and civil society have repeatedly condemned the Nigerian government for its relentless crackdown on freedom of expression and civic space, yet the repression continues unabated. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, remains at the forefront of this suppression, employing outdated and unconstitutional laws to silence dissenters.
Civil Society Condemns Crackdown on Human Rights
The Nigerian police's violent suppression of the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024 exemplifies the government’s disdain for fundamental human rights. According to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the protests resulted in 27 demonstrators being killed and about 800 arrested nationwide. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, corroborated these figures, adding that over 2,000 protesters were detained, many without charges or trial. Despite these grave violations, the government and security agencies have consistently failed to take responsibility for their actions.
Instead of addressing these injustices, the Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Police Force, has intensified its harassment of human rights organisations like Amnesty International Nigeria. The civil society groups accused the government of targeting Amnesty International for exposing human rights violations. In a letter dated January 14, 2025, the police demanded a retraction of Amnesty’s report titled "Nigeria: Bloody August: Nigerian government’s violent crackdown on #EndBadGovernance protests" and threatened legal action—a clear attempt to intimidate the organisation into silence.
The Role of Outdated Laws in Silencing Nigerians
The continued enforcement of the Cybercrime Act 2015, particularly Section 24, is central to the repression of freedom of expression in Nigeria. This law, which criminalises cyberstalking, has been weaponised by law enforcement agencies to arrest, detain, and prosecute citizens for expressing dissent online. Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has consistently argued that the police lack the legal authority to make arrests under this provision, especially after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court declared Section 24 illegal.
In two landmark rulings, the ECOWAS Court directed the Nigerian government to amend Section 24 to align with citizens' fundamental right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights. However, despite these rulings, the government has continued to use Section 24 to silence critics, raising concerns over Nigeria's commitment to upholding international human rights obligations.
The Nigerian government’s failure to repeal these unconstitutional provisions reveals a deeper issue—the deliberate use of laws as tools of oppression. Instead of protecting citizens, these laws are being weaponised to stifle dissent and target individuals who dare to criticise government officials. Many of the issues being criminalised by these laws, such as defamation and cyberstalking, are civil matters that should not warrant criminal prosecution. Yet, these provisions are consistently used to threaten and harass ordinary Nigerians, journalists, and activists.
Cybercrime Act and Defamation: Tools of Repression
Reports of journalists being charged with conspiracy, cyberstalking, and defamation have become increasingly common. In February 2024, four journalists were arrested for publishing critical reports on alleged misconduct by a university official. These arrests underscore the misuse of cybersecurity laws to suppress the press and restrict freedom of speech. The government and influential individuals have also used defamation claims as a weapon to prosecute individuals for perceived insults or criticisms.
The misuse of defamation laws reached a new height in December 2024 when the police declared that online insults could be classified as cyberbullying, equating such behavior with criminal conduct. According to legal experts, this broad interpretation of cybercrime laws is more about silencing opposition than addressing legitimate cybersecurity concerns. It is important to note that defamation is inherently a civil matter, which should be addressed through civil litigation rather than criminal prosecution. However, the Nigerian police and powerful individuals continue to exploit these laws to turn civil disagreements into criminal cases.
The Power Struggle Between the IGP and State Policing
One quick way to reduce these authoritarian abuses is through the realisation of state policing—a reform that President Bola Tinubu is pushing forward. This reform will decentralise the police force and create state-level policing systems, thereby reducing the unchecked power wielded by the IGP and the federal police.
It is no secret that IGP Kayode Egbetokun is opposed to state policing. His resistance is understandable—state policing would significantly dilute his authority and curtail the ability of the federal police to carry out repression under the guise of maintaining law and order. The IGP’s desire to retain centralized power highlights his intention to continue using the federal police as a tool for silencing dissent and maintaining control.
State policing would put law enforcement closer to the people and make officers more accountable to local communities. This proximity would make it harder for powerful individuals to misuse the police for personal vendettas, and it would ensure that local issues are addressed in a manner that respects citizens' rights. It is time for the National Assembly to expedite the process of establishing state police to end the cycle of authoritarian abuses.
IGP’s Disregard for Court Orders
One of the most alarming aspects of IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure is his blatant disregard for court orders. There have been numerous instances where the courts have ordered the release of detainees, only for the police to continue holding them in custody. This outright defiance of judicial authority undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent for law enforcement in Nigeria.
When law enforcement agencies can ignore court rulings with impunity, it erodes public trust in the judicial system and creates a climate of fear and oppression. The police under IGP Egbetokun have increasingly used this tactic, particularly against those arrested under the guise of cybercrime laws. These individuals are often held indefinitely without trial, despite court orders demanding their release.
This pattern of behavior illustrates a complete lack of respect for the judiciary and the rule of law. It highlights the urgent need for continued local, national, and global outcry to hold the Nigerian police accountable. International human rights organisations, foreign governments, and global media outlets must intensify their scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership.
Mr. President, Your IGP Is Damaging Your Democratic Legacy
Mr. President, while you may have personal regard for IGP Kayode Egbetokun, it is imperative to recognize that his actions are not helping your name or your administration’s democratic credentials. The Inspector General of Police is arresting children for alleged violations related to protests, resulting in their detention in cells for months. This has led to sudden illnesses and fainting among the detainees. In response to public outcry, the president's intervention became necessary. Mr. President for how long can you allow this?
The ongoing repression under his watch paints a troubling picture of your government’s stance on human rights and the rule of law. The continuous disregard for court orders, the harassment of human rights defenders, and the weaponisation of outdated laws to silence dissenters are all counterproductive to your vision of a democratic Nigeria. If these authoritarian tendencies are allowed to persist, they will overshadow any progress your administration hopes to achieve.
Your commitment to democratic values and human rights must be reflected in the actions of your appointees. The time has come to hold the IGP accountable and ensure that law enforcement agencies operate within the confines of the law, respecting citizens' rights and upholding the judiciary’s authority. Failing to do so will not only tarnish your legacy but also undermine Nigeria’s standing in the international community.
The Role of the Attorney General and Human Rights Bodies
The Attorney General of the Federation and the Ministry of Justice have been conspicuously silent in the face of these human rights abuses. Their failure to intervene and ensure compliance with ECOWAS Court rulings raises questions about their commitment to justice and the rule of law. The Attorney General has the power to direct the police to cease their unlawful arrests and prosecutions under the Cybercrime Act, yet there has been no action to curb these abuses.
Human rights bodies in Nigeria must also shoulder some responsibility for their lack of proactive measures in addressing these issues. While organisations like Amnesty International and SERAP have continued to speak out, there is a need for a more coordinated and sustained effort to push for the repeal of repressive laws and demand accountability from government officials.
A Call for Legislative Action
The Nigerian National Assembly must step up to its role as a legislative body that protects the rights of citizens. The time has come for lawmakers to repeal the oppressive sections of the Cybercrime Act and other outdated laws that are being used to persecute Nigerians.
Repealing these laws would not only demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to upholding human rights but also send a strong message that the government values freedom of expression. Failure to do so will further erode Nigeria’s democratic principles and tarnish its global reputation. Moreover, there must be an acknowledgment that many of the issues being criminalised under these laws, such as defamation, are private civil matters that should be resolved through civil courts rather than through criminal prosecution.
Upholding Constitutional and International Obligations
The Nigerian government has an obligation under the Constitution and international human rights treaties to protect the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Yet, the ongoing repression of civic space indicates a blatant disregard for these obligations.
The ECOWAS Court rulings provide a clear directive for the government to amend its laws to align with international human rights standards. Ignoring these rulings not only violates Nigeria’s legal commitments but also exposes the government to further international criticism and sanctions.
Time to End the Intimidation of Human Rights Organisations
The targeting of Amnesty International Nigeria and other human rights organisations must stop. These organisations play a crucial role in documenting abuses, holding governments accountable, and advocating for justice. Intimidating and harassing them undermines the very fabric of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
Urgent Calls to End Repression
Civil society groups have made it clear that the ongoing repression of human rights defenders, journalists, and activists must end. The statement issued by 67 organisations called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the police to immediately cease all forms of intimidation and harassment.
The organisations also called for a thorough investigation into allegations of human rights violations during the #EndBadGovernance protests. They stressed the importance of ensuring accountability for those responsible and providing effective remedies for victims and their families.
The civil society organisations warned that the ongoing repression of civic space in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic future. They reiterated their commitment to defending human rights and holding the government accountable for its actions.
The Time for Action is Now
The Nigerian government, particularly the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Assembly, must take immediate steps to end the abuse of repressive laws. The National Assembly has a duty to repeal these laws and protect the rights of all Nigerians.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the Nigeria Police Force must be held accountable for their actions. The continued misuse of power to silence critics and suppress dissent must end. Many of the actions being criminalised are civil in nature and do not warrant criminal prosecution. The introduction of state policing will decentralise power, reduce authoritarian abuses, and ensure that local communities have greater control over law enforcement. The time for action is now. Nigeria’s democratic future depends on it.
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian-American psychologist, educator, and author renowned for his expertise in cross-cultural psychology, forensic/clinical psychology, police/prison science and social justice. He is the son of a father who served in the Nigeria Police Force for 37 years. Professor Oshodi has held teaching appointments at several institutions, including Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Broward College, Nexus International University, and Nova Southeastern University. He played a key role in introducing state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria in 2011 through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology.
Prof. John Egbeazien Oshodi
Professor Oshodi is a government consultant for forensic-clinical psychological services for both adults and children in the USA. He currently practices as a clinical and forensic psychologist. He holds virtual faculty roles at Walden University, Weldios University, and ISCOM University.
He has authored academic publications, including books, and written hundreds of public opinion pieces on African issues. His expertise lies in psycho-prescriptive writings on African institutional and governance challenges. Professor Oshodi is also the founder of the Psychoafricalysis theory in psychology, a pioneering contribution to the field. He is a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA). His work continues to inspire scholars, practitioners, and policymakers worldwide.