The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has unanimously condemned the use of live ammunition and excessive force by the Nigeria Police in the ongoing protests against police brutality in the country.
NBA President, Olumide Akpata, disclosed during a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja that the use of live bullets will only aggravate the already tensed situation in the country.
He said: “Under no circumstances should the use of live ammunition against peaceful and lawful protesters be tolerated. Those found culpable must be apprehended and made examples of in the wake of the protests that have resurrected the consciousness of the Nigerian society and indeed the international community to these very important and systemic issues.
“The NBA is convinced that the disbandment of SARS or any other unit by whatever name called, reposting or transferring officers of any disbanded unit and other reactions will only scratch the surface and not offer long-lasting solutions to the endemic issues bedevilling the Nigeria Police as currently constituted.”
Speaking further, Akpata called on the Federal Government and state governments to protect the rights of citizens participating in peaceful protests across the country.
In doing this, the NBA leader wants security agencies to be warned against “assaulting, attacking, abusing or otherwise harassing or otherwise using force against citizens who seek to have their voices heard through the peaceful protests.”
