SERAP Call On King Charles To Address Human Rights Concerns During Tinubu’s UK Visit

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged King Charles III to use the planned state visit of President Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom to address concerns over alleged human rights violations in Nigeria.

The organisation said the visit offers an opportunity to prioritise issues of accountability, rule of law and protection of civil liberties.

In an open letter dated March 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP said the visit should not focus solely on diplomatic and economic cooperation.

“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 group said.

It added that the engagement provides “a timely opportunity to place human rights, accountability and the rule of law at the centre of bilateral and Commonwealth engagement.”

SERAP expressed concern over what it described as increasing restrictions on civic space in Nigeria, including the use of laws to target journalists and critics.

The group said, “The continuing use of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to target peaceful expression is incompatible with Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.”

It also cited cases involving activists and journalists, warning that such actions undermine democratic accountability.

“No one should be arrested, detained or prosecuted simply for peacefully exercising their human rights,” the organisation stated.

The group also raised concerns about the condition of internally displaced persons in parts of northern Nigeria, including Benue, Borno and Plateau states.

“Thousands of displaced Nigerians continue to face serious human rights challenges and are often excluded from decisions affecting their lives and future,” the letter read.

SERAP added that many displaced persons lack access to basic rights such as freedom of movement, healthcare and legal protections.

“Governments at both the federal and state levels continue to fail to give the displaced people clear information about their rights and obligations,” it said.

SERAP urged King Charles to use his “unique moral authority” to encourage reforms that would strengthen human rights protections 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,” the group said.

It also called for the protection of journalists and activists, urging Nigerian authorities to end what it described as intimidation and harassment.

Among its recommendations, SERAP called on the Nigerian government to restore the rights of displaced persons, ensure transparency in detention practices, and allow independent monitoring of displacement camps.

It also urged authorities to drop charges against individuals detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression and to create an enabling environment for civil society.

“This state visit should not overlook the voices of Nigerians calling for justice, accountability and respect for their fundamental rights,” the organisation added.