A wave of condemnation has followed the invasion of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) Abuja office by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS). The incident, which was brought to light by SERAP via its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday, has sparked outrage from various quarters, including notable figures like former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, and human rights watchdog Amnesty International.
According to the statement from SERAP, DSS operatives stormed their Abuja office, raising concerns about the ongoing harassment of civil society organizations. SERAP, known for its advocacy on human rights and accountability in governance, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and instruct the DSS to cease its harassment, intimidation, and attacks on citizens’ rights.
SERAP’s post on X read, “DSS operatives have invaded our Abuja office. We call on President Tinubu to immediately direct the DSS to stop this assault on Nigerians’ rights. We will not be intimidated.”
Reacting swiftly to the development, Senator Shehu Sani took to his own X handle to express his deep concern. Sani, a vocal human rights advocate, emphasized the need for security agencies to operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of civil society organizations.
He posted, “The reported invasion of the SERAP office is concerning. Security agencies must respect the fundamental rights of the organisation, its officials, and its members as guaranteed by the constitution of the country.”
Sani’s comments have resonated with many Nigerians, who see the DSS action as an infringement on the constitutional rights of SERAP, an organization that has been at the forefront of holding governments accountable for violations of rights and abuses of power.
In a similar vein, Amnesty International condemned the invasion, describing it as an unlawful act aimed at silencing dissent in the country. The international human rights body expressed dismay over what it called a growing trend of repressive actions under President Tinubu’s administration.
In a post on X, Amnesty International wrote, “Amnesty International received a disturbing report of the unlawful invasion of the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project by operatives of the DSS. President Bola Tinubu is going too far in his government’s repressive efforts to silence dissenting voices.”
The post went on to highlight the broader implications of such actions, warning that continued attacks on civil society organizations like SERAP could erode democratic values in Nigeria. “Suppressing organizations that advocate for transparency, accountability, and human rights sets a dangerous precedent. The government must protect, not persecute, those who work to hold it accountable,” Amnesty International added.
The invasion has reignited concerns about the shrinking space for civil liberties and free expression in Nigeria. Critics argue that since assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration has exhibited increasing intolerance towards voices that question or challenge its policies. The government, however, has yet to issue an official statement regarding the DSS’s actions.
SERAP, in its response, vowed to continue its work despite the ongoing intimidation. “We will not be silenced or deterred by these unlawful actions. Our fight for accountability and transparency in governance continues unabated,” the organization declared.
As reactions continue to pour in, the DSS has neither confirmed nor denied the allegations, leaving many to wonder what prompted the invasion. Calls for an independent investigation into the matter have also grown louder, with citizens and human rights groups demanding accountability from the government and its security apparatus.
This incident comes at a time when Nigeria faces numerous human rights challenges, and civil society organizations like SERAP have been instrumental in advocating for justice, transparency, and accountability in governance.
