Nigerian police used excessive force against protesters during the nationwide #Endbadgovernance demonstrations between 1-10 August, killing at least 24 people in the states of Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Niger, Amnesty International said in a briefing published today.

“Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #Endbadgovernance Protests” documents the violent crackdown on peaceful protests against rampant corruption and economic hardship. Those killed included 20 young people, an older person and two children.

In all cases, the victims were shot by the police, firing live ammunition at close range often at the head or torso, suggesting that officers were shooting to kill. Two survivors suffered injuries after being shot by police in the arm and legs, others were suffocated by the indiscriminate use of tear gas.

“People in Nigeria witnessed unbelievable lawlessness as security personnel fired live ammunition at protesters. The death toll could be higher than 24 because of the authorities’ apparent desperate efforts to cover up the atrocities. Peaceful protest over government policies is now a matter of life and death in Nigeria,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

“The Nigerian authorities must hold the police and other security agencies to account for unleashing deadly force on people who did not constitute an imminent threat to lives. It is shocking that police have engaged in flagrant denials of wrongdoing despite public evidence to the contrary, and this speaks to their utter disregard for the sanctity of human lives.

“President Bola Tinubu and his government must conduct prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into the allegations of human rights violations during the #Endbadgovernance protests, and ensure that those suspected to be responsible are identified and brought to justice in fair trials. Nigerian authorities must ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.”

In Kano, 12 people were killed at Rijiyar Lemo and Kofar Nasarawa. In Jigawa state, 3 people were killed at Hadejia, while 1 person was killed at Kofar Sauri, Katsina state. In Kaduna state, a minor was killed by a solider in Zaria while police killed one person in Kaduna. In Maiduguri, 3 people were killed at A.A. Kime Filling Station at Bolori Junction. In Niger state, at least, 3 people were killed along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

Between 12-17 August 2024, Amnesty International carried out field research in Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa states. Evidence gathered includes videos and photographs, as well as accounts from eyewitnesses, medical workers and victims’ relatives, friends, and acquaintances on the ground.

Eyewitnesses told Amnesty International in Kano, Dutse, Katsina, and Minna that the protests were largely peaceful when they began in the morning of 1 August, but the mood abruptly changed when police attacked the protesters by firing live ammunition and tear gas. The excessive use of force by the police against protesters contravenes international human rights standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.

Those who expressed support for the protests on social media were attacked and many were arbitrarily arrested either by the police or the Department of State Services (DSS).

Khalid Aminu was arrested by the DSS in Kaduna during the protest. He told Amnesty International that: “I was tortured for over 60 days and the torture started right from the point of arrest. The DSS operatives beat me and other protesters with sticks and iron cables. They poured water on me. I am yet to fully recover from these atrocities.” Michael Adaramoye (widely known as Lenin) was detained for two months for being part of the protest in Abuja.

Despite overwhelming evidence, including eyewitness accounts, videos, medical records, testimonies of the parents of victims and survivors, and photographs, the police have consistently denied involvement in the killings, dismissing them as “fake news” or attributing them to “unknown gunmen.”

“The Nigeria Police Force’s denial of the killings of protesters is a disturbing trend that undermines trust, perpetuates impunity, and exacerbates the cycle of violence. It also adds to the agony of the families whose loved ones were killed,” said Isa Sanusi.

“The brutal crackdown on the #Endbadgovernance protests is a clear manifestation of Nigerian authorities’ failure to respect and ensure the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. From restricting protesters to certain places in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt to attacks on journalists, the Nigerian police once again shows that nothing has changed about its disregard for human rights and the rule of law.”

As international human rights standards make clear, in the dispersal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law enforcement officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall restrict such force to the minimum extent necessary. In the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum extent necessary. Intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.

“The Nigerian authorities must end this cycle of impunity and ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and survivors. Deadly crackdowns on peaceful protests must end in compliance with Nigeria’s national and international legal obligations. Authorities must immediately release those detained simply for participating in the #Endbadgovernance protests,” said Isa Sanusi

Between 1-10 August people took to the streets across in Nigeria in peaceful protests against the rising cost of living and reports of endemic corruption. Apart from concerted efforts to stop the protests from taking place, desperate measures were taken by the authorities to punish the protesters. The Nigeria Police Force denied allegations of excessive use of force and dismissed calls for an investigation. Over 1,200 people were detained and over 146 people – including minors were arraigned and charged with treasonable felony.

A UK mother has been sentenced to prison for child cruelty after keeping her baby hidden in a drawer beneath her bed for nearly three years, leaving the child severely malnourished and developmentally delayed.

The case, heard at Chester Crown Court, unveiled harrowing details of abuse and neglect that left the child physically, psychologically, and socially scarred.

According to gulfnews, the girl, found weeks before her third birthday at the family home in Cheshire, was malnourished, dehydrated, and suffering from severe developmental delays. Her hair was matted, her skin covered in rashes, and she had deformities caused by prolonged neglect.

The mother, whose identity is withheld to protect the child, kept her hidden from her family, including her siblings and partner, by confining her in a drawer of a divan bed. Feeding her inadequately with a syringe, the mother also failed to seek medical care for the child’s cleft palate.

The truth came to light when the mother’s partner returned home one morning after she had left and heard noises from the bedroom. Investigating, he discovered the child and alerted relatives. Social services found the girl sitting in the drawer later that day.

A social worker described the scene as horrific, stating that the mother showed no emotion and casually admitted to keeping her daughter in the drawer. “I was probably the only other face [the child] had seen apart from her mother’s,” the social worker said.

The court heard that the child had been kept isolated from sunlight, fresh air, or any social interaction. When hospitalised, her developmental age was assessed to be between 0 and 10 months.

Sentencing the mother, Judge Steven Everett condemned her actions. “What you did defies belief,” he said. “You starved that little girl of love, affection, interaction, a proper diet, and medical attention. The consequences were catastrophic.”

He called the ordeal “a living death” but noted that the child, described as an “intelligent little girl,” is slowly recovering.

During police interviews, the mother claimed she was unaware of her pregnancy and gave birth alone, frightened. She admitted the child was “not part of the family,” hiding her to prevent the child’s abusive father from discovering her existence.

Her defence cited mental health struggles, an abusive relationship with the father, and challenges worsened by the COVID-19 lockdown. However, prosecutors highlighted the lasting impact of her actions.

Rachel Worthington of CPS Mersey-Cheshire said, “This child has never had a birthday or Christmas present. She hadn’t known daylight or fresh air and didn’t respond to her own name when found.”

The girl, now in foster care, is receiving the attention and support she was denied. Her foster carer described the heartbreaking moment they realised the child didn’t recognise her own name.

The mother pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty, including neglect, abandonment, and failure to seek medical care. Prosecutors expressed hope that the girl will recover and eventually lead a fulfilling life.

“This case is a tragic reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children,” Worthington said.

The mother’s other children, whom she was said to have cared for well, are no longer in her custody.

The United Kingdom opened its largest Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Africa on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos.

The facility, operated by VFS Global, aims to streamline and enhance the visa application process for Nigerians travelling to the UK, according to a statement by the British High Commission in Lagos.

The opening of the new centre, alongside additional facilities in Abuja and Victoria Island operational since November 19, is part of a broader effort to meet the growing demand for UK visas among Nigerian nationals.

Speaking at the launch, British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter stated, “I am delighted to witness the opening of this, the largest visa application centre in Africa.”

Baxter noted that “Nigeria remains one of the UK’s most important partners, and we hope that VFS delivers ever-improving services for those applying for visas to the UK.”

Meanwhile, Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status, and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, described the development as a milestone in providing world-class visa services across Africa.

According to Owen, over 225,000 UK visa applications from Nigerian nationals were processed in June 2024, indicating a growing demand for travel to the UK.

Owen said; “The opening of our new VAC in Ikeja marks an exciting milestone for UKVI and VFS Global in the provision of a world-class UK visa service here in Nigeria and elsewhere across Africa.

“In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for Nigerian nationals across all categories and this new partnership demonstrates our continued commitment to ensuring our visa services are accessible, efficient and meet the needs of all applicants.”

The new Ikeja facility offers applicants various new features, including document upload assistance, extended submission hours, SMS updates, courier passport returns, and the option for applicants to retain their passports after biometric enrolment.

meanWhile Abuja residents can now utilise a Mobile Visa Service for submissions from preferred locations, while a Premium Lounge offers personalised services with dedicated staff.

These optional features are designed to enhance convenience without affecting processing times or application outcomes.

President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, arrived in Paris on Wednesday evening for a three-day state visit to fortify Nigeria-France relations.

Touching down at Orly Airport around 5:10 p.m., President Tinubu was welcomed with full military honours by the French Republican Guard, marking a ceremonial start to his visit.

The official engagements will begin on Thursday at the historic Les Invalides, where French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron will warmly receive President Tinubu. The visit will continue with a distinguished reception at the Palais de l’Élysée, honouring the Nigerian leader.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral ties, focusing on key areas such as agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement, innovation, and energy transition. It promises substantial benefits for Nigeria.

In collaboration with President Macron, President Tinubu will address initiatives to boost youth exchange programs and enhance skills in automation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

The visit includes strategic political and diplomatic discussions on shared values concerning finance, solid minerals, trade and investment, and communication.

Additionally, both leaders will attend a session hosted by the France-Nigeria Business Council, coordinating private sector involvement in economic development.

Brigitte Macron and Nigeria’s First Lady will discuss empowering women, children, and vulnerable populations through Nigeria’s First Lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will attend a state dinner hosted by the French President before their departure.

The Nigerian Senate plunged into disorder during Wednesday’s plenary as a heated debate erupted over the controversial Tax Reform Bill, which was tabled for discussion despite not being listed on the Order Paper.

The session, marked by intense disagreements and shouting matches, underscored the contentious nature of the bill and procedural violations that several senators deemed unacceptable.

The uproar began when Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi invoked Order 12(1) of the Senate Rules, seeking to suspend the chamber’s procedures to allow the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to provide clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.

Opeyemi’s motion received the support of Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session.

Following this, the chamber approved the entry of the FIRS chairman and other tax experts, with instructions for the Sergeant-At-Arms to escort them in.

However, this move sparked fierce objections from Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who vehemently criticized the decision, citing Senate Rules that prohibit visitors from addressing the chamber on issues not included in the Order Paper.

Ndume expressed his frustration, warning that bypassing established legislative procedures on such a critical matter could undermine the Senate’s credibility.

“This is a very important matter,” Ndume declared.

“We should not, in any way, use the position of the Senate to flout our own rules. The Order Paper is clear.

If today’s agenda must include this bill, then there should have been a supplementary Order Paper.

We cannot address this issue without following due process.”Ndume argued that the Tax Reform Bill, being a subject of significant public interest, deserved thorough scrutiny and adherence to proper procedures.

He urged his colleagues to prioritize transparency and accountability, emphasizing, “Nigerians have spoken. The Governors have spoken.

The National Economic Council has spoken. We represent the people, and we swore an oath to defend their interests.

”Despite Ndume’s appeals, Deputy Senate President Barau insisted that the chamber’s actions were within its constitutional mandate. Barau dismissed Ndume’s concerns as unnecessary rhetoric, stating, “You have made your point. Now, let us move forward.

This chamber has no time for needless distractions.

”The plenary quickly descended into chaos, with senators raising their voices in opposition and support.

Amid the commotion, Barau ruled Ndume out of order and allowed the FIRS chairman and other tax experts to present their clarifications on the Tax Reform Bill.

The episode reflects deep divisions within the Senate on handling critical legislative matters. As the debate over the Tax Reform Bill continues, questions remain about procedural integrity and the extent to which lawmakers prioritize public interest over political maneuvering.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reviewed the strategies for a speedy reconstruction of dilapidated police barracks.

Egbetokun to this end convened a crucial meeting with experts and development consultants on Wednesday, according to a statement signed by the spokesman of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said the crucial meeting took place at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, FHQ, Abuja, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the living conditions of police officers through the reconstruction of dilapidated police barracks across the country. 

He explained that this initiative follows the recent Police Housing Summit on April 23-24, 2024, and the establishment of a comprehensive blueprint aimed at addressing the housing needs of our officers. 

“During the meeting, which had in attendance, members of the Force Management Team and other very senior police officers, the Nigeria Police Property Development and Construction Company, along with other critical stakeholders provided detailed briefs to the IGP and the Force Management Team regarding the progress and strategies for the speedy delivery of barracks redevelopment  projects,” Adejobi said. 

“The IGP expressed optimism about the improved conditions of service for officers, emphasizing that a conducive living environment is essential for effective policing.”

He further said that Egbetokun is particularly focused on designing effective building blocks for the execution of the commitments made by his predecessor on the redevelopment of the barracks in the overall interest of the Force. 

Undoubtedly, according to Adejobi, these projects are critical to ensuring that police personnel have access to quality housing, which in turn will enhance their morale and operational efficiency.

In line with this initiative, the affected legal occupants of the barracks have been taken through the property relocation process, provided with relocation assistance, and paid the agreed relocation allowances to secure alternative accommodation in the interim. 

In addition, these occupants will also receive their usual rent allowances during the construction period. Upon completion of the new facilities, these officers will be allotted housing units, thereby ensuring seamless transition back to improved living conditions. 

Adejobi said the IGP reiterated that the reconstruction of police barracks is a top priority for the Nigeria Police Force. 

He also said that Egbetokun is dedicated to ensuring that these projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. 

“This initiative is part of a broader commitment to improve the welfare of police officers and enhance the overall effectiveness of the force,” the spokesman concluded.