The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to use President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom to raise concerns about ongoing human rights violations and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between Nigeria and the UK, as well as deepening engagement within the Commonwealth. SERAP, however, said the trip offers a “timely opportunity to place human rights, accountability and the rule of law at the centre of bilateral and Commonwealth engagement.”
In an open letter dated 18 March 2026, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged the UK monarch to press for respect for the rule of law and protection of human rights in Nigeria.
SERAP expressed concern over the increasing use of repressive laws and strategic lawsuits to silence journalists, activists, and critics, noting that criminal defamation and the Cybercrimes Act are often deployed against peaceful expression, in violation of Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The group also highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons in northern Nigeria, particularly in Benue, Borno, and Plateau states. Many displaced individuals reportedly lack freedom of movement, access to healthcare, and legal protections, while being excluded from decisions affecting their lives.
“The state visit should not overlook the voices of Nigerians calling for justice, accountability, and respect for their fundamental rights. His Majesty can play an important role in encouraging Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect the human rights of all Nigerians,” the letter read.
SERAP pointed to high-profile cases illustrating restrictions on civic space, including the prosecution of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, the detention of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu in 2024, and the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi. The organization condemned the harassment and intimidation of journalists and civil society actors as creating a climate of fear that undermines democratic accountability.
The group urged King Charles III to press President Tinubu and Nigerian authorities to:
1. Restore the rights of displaced persons in northern Nigeria, including liberty, safety, and freedom of movement, ensuring voluntary presence in camps.
2. Publicly guarantee that all Nigerians are treated with dignity and can fully enjoy their human rights.
3. Allow independent monitoring of displacement camps to protect residents from abuse and meet their humanitarian needs.
4. Institute a consultative process enabling displaced persons to make informed decisions about return and resettlement.
5. End arbitrary detention and ensure transparent procedures in line with international human rights standards.
6. Drop charges and release individuals detained solely for exercising freedom of expression and reform laws to enable safe civic engagement.
7. Stop harassment and intimidation of journalists, activists, bloggers, and civil society organizations.
8. Withdraw strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP) filed against journalists, activists, bloggers, and organizations, including SERAP.
SERAP emphasized that respect for Commonwealth values, including human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, must be upheld in practice, not just in commitments.
