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CAPPA: We urge the government to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse and excessive force by security agencies and hold those responsible accountable
By Valentine Amanze
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) on December 10, 2024, joined the global community in commemorating International Human Rights Day 2024.
This is coming after 76 years since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948.
CAPPA also affirmed that this year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now,” underscored the essential role of human rights in fostering democracy, challenging systemic barriers, promoting social and economic justice, and building a peaceful future for all.
In a statement signed by its Media and Communication Officer, Robert Egbe, CAPPA also called on Nigerian authorities to end the alarming trends and uphold the constitutional rights of citizens to express themselves freely and assemble peacefully.
It condemned the arbitrary arrests and detention of activists and protesters, stressing that such must stop immediately.
Also read: CAPPA advocates strengthening of Nigeria’s democracy
“Those currently in custody and being prosecuted for exercising their rights should be released unconditionally, with all frivolous charges against them dropped.
“We urge the government to thoroughly investigate allegations of abuse and excessive force by security agencies and hold those responsible accountable.
“Additionally, we demand that civil society organisations be allowed to operate without undue restrictions or intimidation, recognising their critical role in promoting democracy and social justice,” CAPPA stated.
It also appealed to the Nigerian government to
to reverse the current trajectory of shrinking civic space and reaffirm its dedication to the principles of freedom and justice if it must realise sustainable development and lasting peace.
CAPPA also expressed concern over the escalating criminalisation of civic engagement, evidenced by the Gestapo-style kidnappings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests, and the detention of activists, dissenting voices and journalists exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression.
Recall that in August 2024, Nigerian security agencies reportedly used excessive force to suppress protests against rising costs of living and poor governance across the country, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and the arrest of over a thousand demonstrators.
Similarly, in November 2024, the detention of 29 minors aged 14 to 17, as well as the victimisation of young Nigerian activists for participating in the #EndBadGovernnance protests, with charges that included treason, exemplified the disproportionate and punitive measures increasingly deployed against legitimate dissent.
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