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Nigeria’s deepening human rights crisis has been thrust onto the global stage as Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) bluntly urged King Charles III  to use President Bola Tinubu’s upcoming state visit to the United Kingdom to call out what it described as escalating repression and democratic backsliding in the country.

In a strongly worded letter dated March 18, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP warned that Tinubu’s diplomatic mission must not be reduced to handshakes and economic talks while fundamental freedoms are being steadily eroded back home.

The organisation said the visit presents a “timely opportunity” for the British monarchy and the international community to forcefully place human rights, accountability, and the rule of law at the centre of engagements with Nigeria, values it insists are being routinely undermined.

SERAP did not mince words in accusing the Nigerian government of weaponising laws to silence dissent. It specifically cited the controversial use of the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation laws to harass journalists, activists, and critics, describing the trend as a blatant violation of Nigeria’s international obligations.

“The continuing application of these laws against peaceful expression contravenes Nigeria’s human rights commitments,” the group declared, warning of a dangerous slide into intolerance and suppression.

Beyond clampdowns on free speech, SERAP painted a grim picture of neglect and abuse in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across states like Benue, Borno, and Plateau. According to the group, thousands of vulnerable Nigerians are trapped in conditions that deny them basic rights, including freedom of movement, healthcare, and legal protection.

“Displaced Nigerians are not only suffering, they are being excluded from decisions that determine their survival and future,” the letter stated.

Invoking Nigeria’s obligations under the Commonwealth Charter, SERAP reminded King Charles III that the credibility of the Commonwealth itself is on the line if member states are allowed to flout shared democratic values without consequence.

“Respect for these values must be reflected in practice, not just in commitments,” the organisation stressed.

The group also highlighted high-profile cases it says exemplify Nigeria’s shrinking civic space, including the continued prosecution of activist Omoyele Sowore, the 2024 detention of journalist Daniel Ojukwu, and the arrest of lawyer Dele Farotimi.

“No one should be arrested or prosecuted simply for peacefully exercising their rights,” SERAP warned, adding that such actions create a climate of fear and weaken democratic accountability.

In a sweeping set of demands, the organisation called on King Charles III to press the Tinubu administration to end arbitrary detentions, halt the harassment of journalists and civil society actors, withdraw strategic lawsuits aimed at silencing critics, and implement urgent reforms to protect free expression.

It also demanded immediate improvements in the treatment of internally displaced persons, including restoring their rights, allowing independent monitoring of camps, and ensuring their voices are included in decisions about resettlement.

Ultimately, SERAP’s message was clear and uncompromising: Tinubu’s UK visit must not become another diplomatic photo-op that ignores the harsh realities facing millions of Nigerians.

“The voices of those demanding justice, accountability, and respect for human rights must not be sidelined,” the group insisted, throwing a sharp spotlight on a government increasingly accused of turning its back on the very freedoms it is sworn to protect.