The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), a pro-democracy organization, has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigeria Police Force’s actions during the third day of protests at Moshood Abiola Stadium.
The group criticized the FCT Command for what it describes as brutal and unprofessional conduct, including the arrest of numerous individuals who gathered at the stadium on Saturday.
According to HURIWA, these arrests took place just outside the stadium, which was designated for the protest.
The rights organization also took aim at recent court rulings from Lagos and Abuja high courts, which they argue unjustly restrict protests to specific areas, undermining the judiciary’s credibility.
In a statement by its national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA condemned these “ghost orders” from the courts, asserting that they damage the credibility of the judiciary and erode respect for fundamental freedoms.
HURIWA reported that on the third day of the protest, while demonstrators were initially absent, small groups began to gather by late morning. The police’s response, involving gunfire and teargas, led to several arrests. Journalists covering the event were also detained but released after verifying their credentials.
The group likened the police’s actions to those of a military dictatorship, urging Nigerians to resist any encroachment on democratic values. They criticized the use of force and live ammunition against peaceful protesters and called for an investigation into the actions of the officers involved.
HURIWA also condemned the Kaduna State police commissioner’s remarks about treating protesters as law violators, calling for comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture, particularly within the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement warned that continued police brutality could spark a resurgence of protests similar to the #ENDSARS movement, stressing the need for accountability and respect for human rights in law enforcement practices.
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