Amnesty International has condemned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, over what it described as a “lawless and reckless” raid on the offices of the Institute for Human Studies, IHS in Wuse, Abuja.
In a statement posted on its official social media handle, @AmnestyNigeriaOfficial, the rights group said operatives of the anti-corruption agency stormed the building around 11:24am, held two staff members hostage and threatened to shoot anyone attempting to enter or exit the premises. They were also accused of confiscating mobile phones, smartwatches and laptops from people inside the building.
Amnesty explained that its staff were at the IHS office to mark the 2025 International Human Rights Day when the incident occurred. The organisation said the operatives disrupted the event and harassed participants, describing the actions as a “shameful display of disregard for the rule of law.”
The group warned that Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies are becoming increasingly callous, stressing that ICPC’s conduct amounted to abuse of power and a violation of human rights. It urged the agency to focus on its mandate rather than creating fear and intimidation.
