Okey Ndibe’s Arrest Draws Criticism as SERAP Accuses Government of Rights Violations

Human rights advocacy group, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), has condemned the reported detention of renowned Nigerian writer Okey Ndibe by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the action as unlawful and incompatible with democratic freedoms.

In a statement released on Monday, SERAP said Ndibe was detained by DSS operatives at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport shortly after arriving from the United States.

The organisation noted that the author was eventually released but argued that his detention amounted to an unjustified restriction of his fundamental rights.

“While we note reports that he has now been released, he should never have been detained in the first place simply for the peaceful exercise of his human rights,” the group said.

According to SERAP, officials reportedly informed Ndibe that the officer responsible for his case file was unavailable, having travelled abroad.

The rights organisation linked the incident to what it called a broader pattern of intimidation against critics and civil society actors under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“Okey Ndibe’s detention forms part of an escalating crackdown on human rights in Nigeria,” SERAP stated, alleging an increasing use of security agencies to target activists, writers, journalists and human rights defenders.

The group stressed that freedom of expression is protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution as well as international treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

SERAP also emphasised that arbitrary detention is prohibited by both domestic and international legal frameworks.

Calling for accountability, the organisation urged the government to disclose the reasons behind Ndibe’s detention and ensure transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It further demanded safeguards against future violations, insisting that no individual should face harassment or detention because of their opinions, writings or peaceful criticism of those in authority.

SERAP concluded by urging international human rights bodies to publicly condemn the incident and remind Nigerian authorities of their obligations to uphold civil liberties and democratic rights.

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