ABUJA, Nigeria – A recent report by the Rule of Law Accountability and Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has raised concerns over the growing pattern of human rights abuses and suppression of civil liberties under the administration of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Titled “Growing pattern of repression against civil rights and freedoms in Nigeria,” the report documents instances of illegal arrests, inhumane detention conditions, judicial complicity, and misuse of counterterrorism laws, among other abuses.
The report, signed by RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, points to a significant erosion of civil rights in Nigeria.
“RULAAC is gravely concerned about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s increasing repression of civil rights and freedoms in Nigeria,” it states.
The organisation specifically calls attention to the government’s response to peaceful protests, arbitrary detentions, and the abuse of legal safeguards designed to protect citizens.
Illegal Arrests and Inhumane Detention
The report cites the treatment of participants in the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024 as an example of the government’s disregard for due process.
Protesters were subjected to “abduction-style” arrests, where individuals were detained without proper identification or cause.
Many detainees were held incommunicado, denied access to family, legal representation, or medical care.
RULAAC also highlights the deplorable conditions in detention facilities across Nigeria, describing them as overcrowded, unsanitary, and amounting to torture.
The report notes that detainees at the Nigerian Police Force’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) in Abuja reported contracting serious skin infections and suffering from starvation due to poor feeding conditions.
Judicial Complicity and Misuse of Laws
According to RULAAC, the Nigerian judiciary has played a role in enabling prolonged and unjust detentions.
The report claims that the courts often grant frivolous applications for extended detention by law enforcement agencies, and when detainees are charged, stringent bail conditions make it nearly impossible for them to be released.
The misuse of counterterrorism laws has also been flagged as a significant issue. Peaceful protesters, RULAAC claims, have been charged with serious offenses such as terrorism and conspiracy without any supporting evidence.
The report details how protesters from different states, with no prior connections, were lumped together and charged with terrorism.
Suppression of Free Speech and Financial Repression
The report further points to the suppression of free speech, noting that the Tinubu administration’s actions have contributed to a shrinking civic space and fostered fear among citizens.
Financial restrictions, including the freezing of bank accounts and travel restrictions, have been used to target protest organizers.
Recommendations for Reform
In response to these abuses, RULAAC has called for several legal and institutional reforms, particularly regarding the conditions of detention. Among the recommendations are:
- Legal Reforms: Implement laws that align detention conditions with international human rights standards.
- Improved Infrastructure: Renovate and maintain detention facilities to ensure safety and hygiene.
- Health Care Access: Provide timely medical examinations and treatment for detainees.
- Sanitation and Nutrition: Improve sanitation facilities and ensure detainees receive sufficient and nutritious meals.
- Oversight and Accountability: Establish mechanisms for independent inspections of detention facilities to assess conditions and compliance with standards.
Calls for Immediate Action
RULAAC emphasises the need for immediate action to address the ongoing violations of civil rights in Nigeria.
The organisation calls on the Tinubu administration to release all individuals detained for peaceful protests, drop charges against those falsely accused of terrorism, and end the harassment of citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
“The Nigerian judiciary has a pivotal role in ensuring justice by exercising careful discretion in legal proceedings,” the report states.
By critically reviewing charges and ensuring reasonable bail conditions, the judiciary can help restore public confidence in the legal system and protect citizens’ rights.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with these pressing issues, RULAAC’s report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and ensuring the protection of civil liberties for all citizens.
