The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on King Charles III to use President Bola Tinubu’s historic state visit to the United Kingdom to raise pressing concerns about what it describes as serious and ongoing human rights violations and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
In an open letter dated March 18, 2026, and signed by deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said the visit offers a timely opportunity to put human rights, accountability and the rule of law at the heart of bilateral and Commonwealth engagement between both countries.
“The state visit presents an important opportunity for His Majesty to press for respect for the rule of law and the protection of human rights in Nigeria,” the letter reads.
SERAP raised alarm about what it called the growing use of repressive laws and strategic lawsuits to silence journalists, activists and critics.
“The continuing use of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to target peaceful expression is incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations,” the organisation said.
The group highlighted the cases of activist and journalist Omoyele Sowore, investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu and lawyer Dele Farotimi as examples of the closing civic space.
“No one should be arrested, detained or prosecuted simply for peacefully exercising their human rights.
“The arrest and detention of journalists for reporting on matters of public interest is a serious violation of the right to freedom of expression and undermines democratic accountability,” SERAP stated.
“Attacks on journalists have increased, with dozens reportedly assaulted or arrested while covering protests in 2024. The harassment and intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders contribute to a climate of fear and undermine democratic accountability,” it added.
The organisation also drew attention to the plight of internally displaced persons across parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Borno and Plateau states, where many are reportedly denied basic rights such as freedom of movement, access to healthcare and legal protections.
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“Thousands of displaced Nigerians continue to face serious human rights challenges and are often excluded from decisions affecting their lives and future,” the letter said.
“Governments at both the federal and state levels continue to fail to give the displaced people clear information about their rights and obligations, their legal status or procedures for tracing family members. Displaced people have been given no voice in decisions regarding their resettlement.”
SERAP reminded King Charles that Nigeria, as a Commonwealth member, has committed to upholding the values enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
“Nigeria, as a member of the Commonwealth, has committed to uphold the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, including respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Respect for Commonwealth values must be reflected in practice, not only in commitments,” the organisation stated.
“SERAP urges King Charles III to use your unique moral authority to encourage human rights reforms in Nigeria.
“The credibility of the Commonwealth depends on the willingness of its members to uphold shared values, including respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law.”
“This state visit should not overlook the voices of Nigerians calling for justice, accountability and respect for their fundamental rights.
“His Majesty can play an important role in encouraging Nigerian authorities to uphold the rule of law and protect the human rights of all Nigerians.”
The organisation called on King Charles to press President Tinubu to restore the rights of displaced Nigerians, including their freedom of movement and access to healthcare.
It also urged the monarch to push for an end to arbitrary detention, the release of all individuals held solely for exercising their right to free expression and the withdrawal of lawsuits brought against journalists, activists and civil society organisations.
SERAP further called for independent monitoring of camps housing displaced persons and the establishment of a consultative process that allows displaced communities to make informed decisions about their return and resettlement.