Amnesty condemns ‘unlawful invasion’ of SERAP’s office

Amnesty International says the invasion of the office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) is an “unlawful act” aimed at “stifling dissenting voices”.

In a post via X on Monday, SERAP said DSS operatives had “unlawfully occupied” their office in Abuja, demanding to see the organisation’s directors.

Reacting to the development, Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria, expressed deep concern over the crackdown on civic space and independent human rights groups in the country.

He criticised the federal government for the “repressive efforts” to suppress civil society organisations and limit their ability to carry out legitimate work.

“The invasion of SERAP’s office by the DSS sends a chilling signal and prevent human rights organizations from carrying out their essential work to promote and protect human rights and accountability in the country.” he said.

Sanusi urged the government to uphold their constitutional and international human rights obligations, particularly with regard to the rights to freedom of expression and association.

He warned that the “growing impunity” for human rights violations in the country is a “cause for serious concern”.

“The invasion of SERAP’s office by the DSS shows that Nigerian authorities are prepared to go to extreme lengths to stifle independent scrutiny and criticism in clear violation of constitutional guarantees. This must stop,” Sanusi said.

He called on Nigeria’s international and regional partners to pressure the government to respect the rights of journalists, civil society groups, and human rights defenders.