The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on King Charles III to raise concerns over human rights and the rule of law during the ongoing visit of Bola Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
In a letter dated March 18, 2026, SERAP said the visit presents an opportunity to place issues of accountability and respect for fundamental rights at the centre of diplomatic discussions between both countries.
President Tinubu departed Abuja for the two-day state visit scheduled for March 18 and 19, marking the first such engagement by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.
SERAP expressed concern over what it described as the increasing use of restrictive laws and legal actions to silence journalists, activists, and critics. The organisation cited the continued application of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws against individuals exercising their right to free expression.
The group also highlighted the situation of internally displaced persons in Benue, Borno, and Plateau states, noting that many continue to face serious challenges, including limited access to information and exclusion from decisions affecting their resettlement.
According to SERAP, Nigeria, as a member of the Commonwealth, has an obligation to uphold the principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as set out in the Commonwealth Charter. It stressed that these commitments must be reflected in practice.
The organisation further pointed to what it described as a growing pattern of arrests and prosecutions involving journalists and activists, including cases linked to Omoyele Sowore, Daniel Ojukwu, and Dele Farotimi. It warned that such actions could create a climate of fear and weaken democratic accountability.
SERAP urged King Charles to use his position to encourage reforms, adding that no individual should face arrest or prosecution for peacefully expressing their views.
