SERAP urges King Charles III to confront Tinubu on human rights violations

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to use the state visit of Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom as an opportunity to raise concerns over alleged human rights violations and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.

In an open letter dated March 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation described the visit as a “timely opportunity” for the British monarch to advocate for reforms.

“The state visit presents an important opportunity for His Majesty to press for respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria,” the letter stated.

SERAP expressed concern over what it described as the increasing use of repressive laws to target journalists, activists and critics. It specifically cited the application of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws, arguing that such measures are inconsistent with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

The group also highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in states such as Benue State, Borno State and Plateau State, noting that many are allegedly denied fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, access to healthcare and legal protections.

According to SERAP, thousands of displaced Nigerians continue to face significant challenges and are often excluded from decisions affecting their welfare and future, particularly regarding resettlement.

The organisation stressed that as a member of the Commonwealth, Nigeria has committed to upholding values such as human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. It argued that these commitments must be reflected in practice.

SERAP further warned that the growing restrictions on civic space are evident in cases involving activists and journalists, including Omoyele Sowore, as well as past incidents involving investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu and lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The group condemned what it described as the arrest, detention and prosecution of individuals for peacefully exercising their rights, noting that such actions undermine democratic accountability and freedom of expression.

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“Attacks on journalists have increased, with dozens reportedly assaulted or arrested while covering protests in 2024. This pattern of harassment contributes to a climate of fear,” the organisation stated.

SERAP also referenced concerns raised by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, emphasising that criminal sanctions for peaceful expression are incompatible with international law when they suppress public debate.

To address these issues, the organisation urged King Charles III to encourage President Tinubu and Nigerian authorities to implement a series of reforms. These include restoring the rights of displaced persons, ensuring transparency and legal safeguards in detention practices, granting independent monitoring of IDP camps, and involving displaced communities in decisions about their resettlement.

Additionally, SERAP called for an end to arbitrary arrests and the immediate release of individuals detained for exercising their right to free expression. It also urged the government to withdraw lawsuits targeting journalists, activists and civil society organisations, including SERAP itself.

The organisation concluded that the state visit should amplify the voices of Nigerians demanding justice, accountability and respect for fundamental rights, stressing that meaningful action is essential to uphold both national and Commonwealth values.