General
The political climate in some parts of Nigeria, especially in Lagos, remained tense during the period under review. 20th October 2023 marked the third anniversary of the crackdowns on the #ENDSars 2020 protests. Nigerians have continued to demand justice for the protesters who were killed by the police in Alausa and Lekki. At the time of writing, at least 15 #ENDSars protesters remain unlawfully detained and have experienced torture, according to reports, while perpetrators have not been held accountable.
In Gombe state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested over 75 youth for allegedly attending a gay wedding, which raises concerns over the ongoing persecution of people perceived as belonging to the LGBTQI+ community.
Peaceful Assembly & Association
Medical students suspended after peaceful protests
On 30th October 2023, Benue State University (BSU) in Macurdi suspended 450 students in the College of Health Sciences for peaceful demonstrations. On 25th October 2023, the medical students held a demonstration to express their dissatisfaction with the university infrastructure and water supply. The students alleged that security guards used pepper spray against protesters, while unknown assailants attacked them with large sticks. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) criticised the university leadership for violating the fundamental rights of the students to peacefully assemble. The Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC) also demanded that the suspension of the students be lifted.
Police use excessive force to disperse protesters
On 30th October 2023, police in Rivers state dispersed a crowd of protesters with teargas, water cannons and gunshots. The governor of Rivers state, Siminalayi Fubara, alleged that the gunshots were targeted at him. Rumours started on 29th October that Fubara was going to be impeached. Later that day, the Rivers State House of Assembly was set on fire According to reports, the arson was to prevent the impeachment process. Supporters of the Rivers state governor gathered at the House of Assembly in protest against the 24 members who had initiated the impeachment process against the governor. These lawmakers are believed to be followers of the former governor and Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyemson Wike. No death or injuries were reported.
Trade union leader detained, injured in strike
On 29th October 2023, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced a mass protest and strike that was to begin on 1st November 2023 in response to violations of workers’ rights in Imo state. According to NLC President Joe Ajaero, the state government had repeatedly failed to address pressing issues pertaining to workers’ rights, even after agreements as such had been reached. On 1st November 2023, prior to the start of the protests, police arrested Ajaero.
According to the NLC Head of Information and Publicity, Benson Upah, Ajaero was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location. Upah stated that the police brutalised Ajaero to a point where his right eye became swollen. He was later sent to the police hospital in Owerri, and then to the Federal Medical Centre where he continued to receive treatment. Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Imo state, refuted the claims, saying that they rather rescued Ajaero from a mob and kept him in custody to protect his life.
On 14th November 2023, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress organised an indefinite strike to protest the mistreatment of the NLC president and others in Owerri state, claiming that it was a violation of the right to freedom of association and expression. The National Industrial Court (NIC), however, suspended the strike following an application that was filed by the Federal Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) - through its Executive Secretary, Anthony Ojukwu - condemned the attempts to prevent the strike.
Lawyers protest over detention and mistreatment of Lagos-based Lawyer
Lawyers took to the streets of Lagos for several days of demonstrations after Lagos-based lawyer Olumide Sonupe was detained by the police on 30th December 2023 and suffered injuries during the detention, resulting in hospitalisation. Demonstrators peacefully marched from the Nigerian Bar Association to the Lagos State Police Command to protest police brutality against lawyers.
Expression
Government proposes bill to regulate social media
On 11th October 2023, the federal government of Nigeria submitted a bill on social media regulation to the National Assembly. The bill would abolish and reform the existing National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act, CAP L11, according to the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. The proposed bill would allow the NBC to regulate social media platforms in the country. According to Balarabe Ilelah, Director General of NBC, the current bill does not allow the NBC to regulate social media, adding that the bill would address challenges the NBC faced in addressing violations of the use of digital media platforms.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) urged the National Assembly to reconsider the bill, stating that:
If passed, it would unduly restrict the rights to freedom of expression and privacy,” and it would “criminalise the legitimate and lawful exercise of human rights.
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Journalist arrested over investigative report
On 13th November 2023, a journalist with the Daybreak Newspapers, Achadu Gabriel Idibia, was arrested in Kaduna over an investigative report he had produced on the situation for prisoners in a local correctional facility. He was released on 16th November 2023 but faced charges of defamation, among others. The hearings, slated for December, were postponed to 25th January 2024, as the prosecution failed to produce sufficient evidence, according to the Media Foundation for West Africa, which condemned the charges against the journalist as a violation of press freedom.