A coalition of legal practitioners under the aegis of the Centre for Reform & Public Advocacy has raised alarm over what it termed the unlawful use of the judiciary to suppress dissent in Kebbi State.
Addressing journalists on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the group condemned the alleged misuse of Magistrate and Area Courts to detain citizens critical of the state government. It described the development as a systematic violation of constitutional and international human rights standards.
“This pattern of targeted repression constitutes a clear and systematic violation of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory,” the Centre’s Head of Legal Services, Mr. Kalu Kalu Agu, said in a statement.
The group alleged that over 20 individuals perceived as political opponents have been imprisoned on frivolous charges in Kebbi, with civic actors, online commentators, and everyday citizens falling victim to arbitrary arrests and malicious prosecutions.
“These individuals are often summoned under dubious pretenses, arrested without warrant, denied access to legal representation, coerced to write statements, and held in custody beyond the constitutionally allowed duration,” Agu stated.
He noted that charges such as “public nuisance,” “inciting public disturbance,” and “defamation” were being routinely and wrongfully invoked to criminalize free speech and suppress opposition.
The coalition expressed particular concern over the role of Magistrates and Area Courts in legitimizing the clampdown. “They often lend legitimacy to these abuses by entertaining meritless charges and issuing harsh sentences without proper legal scrutiny or regard for due process,” the group said.
The statement further asserted that the actions violate not only Nigeria’s Constitution—especially sections 35, 36, 39, and 40—but also international treaties including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In response, the group said it had submitted petitions to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, heads of security agencies, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The petition includes a list of victims allegedly targeted for merely expressing opinions or demanding transparency.
“We urge all relevant authorities to take immediate action to halt these violations, restore the rule of law, and ensure justice for all affected citizens,” the coalition concluded.
