The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to cease using security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to target citizens exercising their human rights. The organization specifically demanded the withdrawal of a defamation lawsuit filed by two DSS officials against SERAP, following the group’s criticism of a DSS raid on its Abuja office.

In an open letter dated October 19, 2024, and signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group expressed grave concern over what it described as the government’s misuse of the DSS to suppress dissent. SERAP claimed that the defamation suit was a deliberate attempt to stifle criticism of the government’s actions and prevent accountability.

“We are seriously concerned that your government seems to be weaponizing the DSS and misusing defamation laws as a tool of repression,” the letter reads. The organization also accused the Tinubu administration of diverting attention from critical issues such as corruption within the oil sector and Nigeria’s broader economic challenges by focusing on silencing critics.

SERAP emphasized that instead of using security agencies to intimidate citizens, the government should investigate the concerns raised by civil society groups. These include allegations of corruption and mismanagement in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and rising economic hardships. SERAP further warned that it is prepared to defend itself in court if the lawsuit is not withdrawn and to call witnesses to ensure transparency and accountability in the case.

The group also pointed out that this marks the first time a Nigerian government has allegedly used security forces to intimidate it since its establishment in 2004. SERAP noted that it has consistently pursued public interest cases against previous administrations, but the current administration’s actions are unprecedented in their hostility toward civil society.

SERAP urged the government to allow human rights defenders, journalists, and activists to operate freely without fear of baseless legal actions, stressing that such repression weakens democracy, perpetuates impunity, and erodes the rule of law. The group called for the government to shift its focus to resolving pressing national issues, rather than suppressing civil society.

The letter concluded by underscoring the importance of respecting the rule of law and ensuring accountability, adding that this is crucial for the administration’s economic and developmental goals. SERAP urged President Tinubu to stop all forms of intimidation against civil society and human rights advocates, emphasizing that democratic progress cannot be achieved through repression.