Femi Falana, a senior lawyer in Nigeria, has spoken out against the recent invasion of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office in Abuja. The raid, reportedly carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS), has sparked outrage among human rights defenders.

Falana condemned the act, calling it unlawful and a violation of the rights of organizations working to promote justice and accountability. He urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action, identifying and prosecuting those involved.

In his statement, Falana said, “I strongly condemn the invasion of SERAP’s office. The officers who carried out this raid in the name of the government must be held accountable. Human rights defenders should be able to perform their duties freely, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.”

This incident adds to the growing concern about the relationship between the Nigerian government and civil society organizations. Falana’s demand for justice highlights the critical role these organizations play in ensuring transparency and protecting the rights of the people. He emphasized that the government must protect human rights defenders, not target them, to maintain the rule of law.

By prosecuting those behind the raid, Falana believes the Tinubu administration can show its commitment to upholding constitutional rights and the protection of civil society.