Amnesty International condemns invasion of CDHR office, demands end to illegal siege
Amnesty International has condemned the invasion of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) office by armed security personnel.
In a statement, Amnesty International urged the security forces to stop their unlawful siege on CDHR’s office.
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, said: “Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the illegal invasion of the CDHR office in Ikeja, Lagos. This comes just days after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters was attacked. This escalation is alarming and poses a serious threat to human rights defenders, who are increasingly at risk from security agencies.”
The siege has forced nearby businesses to close and is stopping CDHR from carrying out its important work to promote freedom. Such actions against human rights defenders suggest that authorities support these violations. The commanders of the security forces involved must be held accountable for their misuse of power.
Since 5:00 am, the CDHR office has been surrounded by heavily armed police, soldiers, and other security personnel. Nigerian authorities need to investigate this incident and direct the security forces to leave the area immediately.
The crackdown on protesters since August 1, followed by these attacks on civil society groups, indicates a troubling disregard for human rights by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and an effort to suppress dissent.
As of 4:30 pm, the security forces were still unlawfully occupying the area around CDHR’s office. This show of impunity must stop.
The Nigerian authorities must end these attacks on human rights and uphold the freedom of expression and association. Intimidating dissenting voices undermines freedom and justice. Nigeria has a responsibility to protect human rights and allow civil society organizations to operate without fear.
The shrinking space for civic activities in Nigeria creates a climate of fear, endangering activists, human rights defenders, civil society groups, and journalists.
