The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Department of State Services to cease the intimidation and harassment of its staff members after a recent invasion of its Abuja office.
In a statement issued on Monday, SERAP revealed that DSS operatives stormed its Abuja premises, demanding the Deputy Director and the address of its Lagos office.
The incident occurred just a day after the organization issued an ultimatum to President Tinubu, urging him to reverse the recent hike in petrol prices.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, described the situation in a statement, saying that a “tall, large, dark-skinned woman, accompanied by a slim, dark-skinned man, entered the office.”
He further mentioned that other DSS officers were stationed outside in unmarked vehicles.
“We condemn the invasion of our Abuja office by the DSS,” Oluwadare said. “This is an outright violation of our rights, and the Tinubu administration must immediately direct the DSS to stop harassing and intimidating our staff.”
SERAP emphasized that this action is a threat to the human rights community in Nigeria.
The organization stressed that such attacks on non-governmental organizations undermine the work of those who defend human rights, while encouraging a culture of impunity for those responsible for rights violations.
“The harassment of our staff is not just an attack on us, but on the entire human rights community,” the statement read.
“These escalating crackdowns on civil society are harmful to Nigerians seeking justice for human rights abuses and limit their access to remedies.”
SERAP urged President Tinubu to take swift action by ordering an investigation into the office raid and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. The organization also called for the protection of civil society groups and their ability to function freely without fear of intimidation.
“We are gravely concerned about the shrinking civic space in Nigeria and the increasing crackdown on human rights defenders. The government must ensure that civil society organizations can operate without fear, as outlined in both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights law.”
The group warned that if the harassment does not cease, it will take legal action both nationally and internationally. SERAP affirmed its commitment to continue its work, despite attempts to silence them, stating, “We will not be intimidated, and we will take the necessary steps to hold the authorities accountable.”
Finally, SERAP highlighted the constitutional and international obligations of the Nigerian government to protect the right to freedom of expression and provide a safe environment for civil society organizations.
“While some may disagree with what we stand for, this does not justify the invasion of our office or the harassment of our staff,” the organization concluded. “Freedom of expression and civil society’s role in advocating for justice must be protected at all costs.”
