The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to use the forthcoming state visit of Bola Tinubu to address what it described as “serious and continuing violations of human rights” and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
President Tinubu’s visit to the United Kingdom is expected to centre on strengthening diplomatic, economic and security cooperation between Nigeria and the UK, alongside efforts to deepen ties within the Commonwealth. However, SERAP said the trip also presents “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 March 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged the British monarch to use his influence to press for reforms.
“The state visit presents an important opportunity for His Majesty to press for respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria,” the letter stated.
SERAP expressed concern over the increasing use of repressive laws and legal actions to target dissenting voices, noting that the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws have been deployed to harass journalists, activists and critics.
According to the organisation, such actions are inconsistent with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The group also highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Borno and Plateau states. It alleged that many displaced persons are denied basic rights such as freedom of movement, access to healthcare and legal protections.
“Thousands of displaced Nigerians continue to face serious human rights challenges and are often excluded from decisions affecting their lives and future,” the letter added.
SERAP further stressed that Nigeria, as a Commonwealth member, is obligated to uphold the principles enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter, including respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
The organisation cited what it described as a pattern of intimidation against journalists and activists, referencing cases involving Omoyele Sowore, Daniel Ojukwu and Dele Farotimi. It also noted reports of journalists being assaulted or arrested while covering protests in 2024.
“No one should be arrested, detained or prosecuted simply for peacefully exercising their human rights,” SERAP said, warning that such actions undermine democratic accountability and freedom of expression.
The organisation referenced concerns raised by the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, who has maintained that criminal sanctions for peaceful expression violate international law when they suppress public debate.
SERAP urged King Charles III to encourage Nigerian authorities to undertake a series of reforms, including restoring the rights of displaced persons, ensuring transparency and legal safeguards in detention practices, and granting independent monitoring access to IDP camps.
Other recommendations include dropping charges against individuals detained for exercising freedom of expression, ending the harassment of journalists and civil society actors, and withdrawing lawsuits targeting activists and organisations.
The group concluded that the state visit should not ignore “the voices of Nigerians calling for justice, accountability and respect for their fundamental rights,” adding that the monarch can play a significant role in promoting adherence to the rule of law in Nigeria.
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