The House of Representatives Committee on National Security, Intelligence and Public Safety has warned security agencies against extra-judicial killing of Nigerians protesting the removal of petrol subsidy.
He added: “Let me sound a note of warning that any security agent found to have violated the right of any Nigerian on account of the subsidy protest will be brought to book and will have himself to blame.
“These kind of protests have been taking place in many parts of the world, including Africa, and it is high time that our security agencies copied from those civilized countries.”
Matawalle said his committee was saddened by the killing of protesters by policemen in Ilorin on Tuesday.
He also warned that the committee would ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.
Matawalle said Nigerians have the right to protest against government policies they disagreed with and “the Constitution and our laws have spelt out clearly how the security agencies will conduct themselves in such circumstances.”
He said as representatives of the Nigerian people, the House would closely monitor the conduct of security personnel during and after the protests.
“We have seen in several places where security agents who indulge in that kind of violating the protesters’ rights were brought to account and ours will not be any different,” Matawalle said.
Amnesty International also warned that the authorities must immediately end excessive use of force against protesters, following the reported killing of at least one person in Ilorin.
Witnesses say a student, 23-year-old Muyideen Mustapha, was shot by police attempting to disperse protesters in the Kwara State capital on Tuesday. Police officials claim he was stabbed to death by other protesters and say an investigation into the killing has been launched.
“The police have a duty to protect lives and property and uphold the rule of law. It is therefore completely unacceptable for them to use live ammunition against protesters,” said Paule Rigaud, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Africa.
“The Nigerian authorities should respect and protect peoples’ rights to freedom of expression guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution, and should instruct the police force to refrain from shooting at protesters,” she said.
Under a controversial regulation, known as “Police Force Order 237”, police officers can shoot at rioters or protesters whether or not they pose a threat to life. The regulation directs officers to fire “at the knees of the rioters” and explicitly prohibits firing in the air.
“Force Order 237 is being abused by police officers to commit, justify and cover up illegal killings at every given opportunity. This regulation goes against international standards and should be repealed immediately,” said Rigaud.
Thousands of Nigerians in cities across the country have taken part in marches protesting against the removal of a state fuel subsidy, which has seen fuel prices and transport fares more than double.
Civil society groups and labour unions have announced further protests and national strike starting on Monday.
“With more protests coming up, it’s essential that the Nigerian police publicly announce that the use of lethal force is only allowed when strictly unavoidable to protect life. This simple step could make a big difference to the number of unlawful police killings we are seeing in Nigeria,” said Rigaud.
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