By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
A human rights advocacy group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has called for an immediate end to mob justice and police harassment in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
The demand came at the conclusion of a high-profile dialogue session in Awka, Anambra State.
In a communique, signed by key representatives including the Chairman, Prof. C. Jaja Nwanegbo, and CSO Representative, OnyinyeChi Joy Nwosu, reaffirmed the participants’ commitment to transforming the dialogue’s outcomes into concrete advocacy and action.
The event, themed “Voices Unchained: A Journey Through Civic Space in Southeast Nigeria,” brought together various stakeholders, including victims of abuse, to expose the grim realities faced by the people.
Participants voiced deep concern over a culture of impunity that enables both state and non-state actors to violate fundamental human rights with little to no accountability.
The group decried the disturbing rise of mob justice and vigilantism. They pointed to a recent, tragic incident in Imo State, where youths tortured a 20-year-old boy to death over a missing power bank.
This, along with other similar cases, revealed a breakdown of the rule of law and a growing public reliance on extrajudicial action.
RULAAC further condemned the persistent police and security high-handedness. The group detailed accounts of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and torture of citizens, journalists, and activists. The misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to stifle online expression was also a major point of concern.
The group also criticized the judicial system, stating that slow trials, denial of bail, and overcrowded correctional facilities contribute to the injustice.
RULAAC and its partners called on all security agencies to end unlawful detentions and ensure the prosecution of officers and vigilante operatives found guilty of human rights abuses. The group also urged the National Assembly to review laws that are often used to shrink civic space.
The communique reads: “Federal and state governments should immediately halt the criminalization of dissent and adopt policies that expand rather than shrink civic freedoms. Security agencies should adopt rights-based policing, respect court orders, and undergo regular human rights training.
“Traditional and Religious Leaders should use their influence to discourage mob violence and promote peaceful engagement. The judiciary must assert its independence and prioritize justice in rights-related cases. Civil society and the media should sustain civic education campaigns and amplify the voices of victims of violations.”