Detention of novelist sparks outrage as SERAP demands accountability

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the reported detention of renowned Nigerian novelist and author, Okey Ndibe, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, describing the incident as unlawful and a violation of fundamental human rights.

According to reports, Ndibe was detained by DSS operatives upon his arrival in Nigeria from the United States and was later released after several hours. The security agency reportedly explained his release by stating that the officer responsible for handling his case file was out of the country.

In a statement signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of intimidation, harassment and suppression of critics, journalists, activists and civil society actors under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The organisation argued that the deployment of security agencies to target individuals for expressing dissenting opinions poses a serious threat to democratic principles, constitutional freedoms and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

SERAP maintained that no citizen should be subjected to arrest, harassment or detention for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. It noted that such actions are inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), as well as international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The rights group called on the Federal Government to provide a clear explanation regarding the legal basis for Ndibe’s detention, ensure transparency surrounding the circumstances of the incident and prevent security agencies from exceeding their constitutional powers.

SERAP further urged the authorities to guarantee access to justice and effective remedies for the acclaimed author while safeguarding the rights of all citizens against arbitrary actions by state institutions.

The organisation also appealed to international and regional human rights bodies, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, to condemn the alleged arbitrary detention and closely monitor Nigeria’s adherence to its human rights commitments.

The incident has reignited concerns among civil society groups and human rights advocates over the protection of civil liberties and freedom of expression in Nigeria.