Highlight

COZA: SERAP  condemns arbitrary arrest of protesters

241

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has strongly condemned the harassment, repression and arbitrary arrests by Nigerian law enforcement and security agents of anti-rape activists who have been peacefully protesting today outside the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Abuja.

In a statement by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization said: “The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained and allow them to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”

The statement read in part: “It’s ridiculous and unfair that the Nigerian authorities are arresting peaceful protesters demanding justice for alleged rape rather than going after the suspected perpetrator.”

“The Nigerian authorities should immediately establish an independent commission to investigate alleged excessive use of force by law enforcement and security agents at COZA headquarters and bring to justice anyone found to be responsible.”

“While law enforcement and security agents have a responsibility to provide public security, they need to abide by human rights standards on the use of force. The allegation of use of excessive force against peaceful protesters demanding justice for alleged rape against a popular pastor urgently demands a fully independent investigation.”

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Just in: 63-year-old Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, dies

Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, the Chief Judge of Ekiti State, has passed away....

Equatorial Guinea govt introduces CCTV in offices amid sextape scandal

Following sextape scandals, Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President, Teddy Nguema, has announced plans...

Election Day Showdown: Harris and Trump Hold Duelling Rallies as Polls Reach Dead Heat

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump held rival rallies on Monday, the final...

$26bln African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project Gains Momentum

The federal government, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African...

N1.3trn fraud: EFCC arrests, grills ex-Delta Gov. Okowa

A former Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has been apprehended by the...

Equatorial Guinea government official embroiled in sextape scandal

Mr. Baltasar Engonga, Director General of the National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF)...

CAF ruling against Libya: Nigerian govt. promises to protect its citizens in Libya

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to...

Polaris Bank wins “Best Mobile App” award at Digital Jurist Awards 2024

For its commitment to digital innovation and excellence, Polaris Bank has again...

Updated: After six years of injustice, Nigeria’s ex-Chief Justice, Onnoghen, finally gets justice

The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Monday, overturned the conviction of...

Flood sacks 4 Anambra council areas as Soludo activates 27 IDP camps

By Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka Floods have devastated four local government areas in...

Four-month salary: NASU, SSANU secure irrevocable commitment from FG, suspend strike

After a six-day strike, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff...

Three radio stations in Abia destroyed by mysterious fire

A mysterious fire has hit three radio stations in Abia in Abia...

Seven new ministers for inauguration on Monday, Nov. 4

President Bola Tinubu will preside over the oath-taking of seven new ministers...

Youth shot dead for playing football near VIP’s house

A 70-year-old man, Mr. Stephen Irobunda, has escaped a mob action in...

Renowned Nigerian filmmaker, director Dimeji Ajibola is dead

Dimeji Ajibola, the acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker behind the popular series Shanty Town,...

Just in: UK Conservative Party elects former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch as new leader

Former British Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has emerged as the new leader...

Demolition of Abuja N200bln properties: Restrain Wike, Estate Developers Beg Pres. Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has been urged to intervene in the alleged demolition...

FirstBank’s retired CEO, Adeduntan, gets presidential commendation

Impressed with his exemplary career trajectory and transformative leadership, President Bola Tinubu...

#EndBadGovernance protests: AGF to Police: Transfer casefiles of 72 defendants to my office

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince...

NAGAFF Taps NPA MD, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, as Keynote Speaker for Silver Jubilee Anniversary

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has announced Dr....