The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP has condemned the harassment, repression and arbitrary arrests of the protesters by security agents. A statement by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, read: “The Nigerian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release all those detained and allow them to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. “It’s ridiculous and unfair that the Nigerian authorities are arresting peaceful protesters demanding justice for alleged rape rather than going after the suspected perpetrator.
“The
authorities should immediately establish an independent commission to
investigate alleged excessive use of force by law enforcement and security
agents at COZA headquarters and bring to justice anyone found culpable. “While
law enforcement and security agents have a responsibility to provide public
security, they need to abide by human rights standards on the use of force.
‘’The allegation of use of excessive force against peaceful protesters
demanding justice for alleged rape against a popular pastor urgently demands a
fully independent investigation.”
