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SERAP to King Charles: Press Bola Tinubu on human rights during UK visit.
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Rights concerns: Group cites shrinking civic space, misuse of Cybercrimes Act, and arrests of activists.
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IDP welfare: Calls for protection of displaced persons and reforms to uphold rule of law in Nigeria.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged King Charles III to use the state visit of Bola Tinubu to raise concerns over human rights violations and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
In a letter dated March 18, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the visit as a “timely opportunity” to place human rights, accountability, and the rule of law at the centre of discussions between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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The organisation expressed concern over what it termed the increasing use of repressive laws, including the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation statutes, to target journalists, activists, and critics.
It warned that such actions contravene Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
SERAP also highlighted the conditions of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in states such as Benue, Borno, and Plateau, noting that many face restrictions on movement and lack access to basic services and legal protections.
“Thousands of displaced Nigerians continue to face serious human rights challenges and are often excluded from decisions affecting their lives and future,” the group stated.
Referencing Nigeria’s obligations under the Commonwealth Charter, SERAP stressed that commitments to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law must go beyond rhetoric and be reflected in governance.
The group further pointed to recent cases involving activists and journalists, including Omoyele Sowore, as evidence of what it described as growing repression.
“No one should be arrested or prosecuted simply for peacefully exercising their human rights,” SERAP said, adding that such actions create a climate of fear and weaken democratic accountability.
Among its recommendations, the organisation called for the restoration of rights for displaced persons, an end to arbitrary detentions, and reforms to laws that restrict freedom of expression.
It also urged the Nigerian government to stop harassment of civil society actors and withdraw lawsuits aimed at silencing public participation.
SERAP maintained that the credibility of the Commonwealth depends on the willingness of member states like Nigeria to uphold shared democratic values, urging King Charles III to use his moral authority to push for meaningful reforms.