The Department of State Services (DSS) has reportedly taken control of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) office in Abuja. SERAP has labelled the action as an “unlawful occupation,” sparking widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about civil liberties in Nigeria.
This development follows closely on the heels of the recent arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero at Abuja Airport by DSS operatives, fueling speculation about a coordinated crackdown on civil society and labour leaders.
According to reports, DSS agents at SERAP’s office have specifically demanded to meet with the organization’s directors, signalling a targeted interest in the leadership of the influential rights group. This has raised alarms about potential intimidation tactics being used to silence voices advocating for transparency, human rights, and government accountability.
SERAP, known for its fierce advocacy for good governance and human rights, took to social media to condemn the DSS action. The organization has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene immediately, urging him to direct the DSS to halt what they describe as “harassment, intimidation, and an assault on the rights of Nigerians.”
The timing of the DSS’s move is particularly significant, coming shortly after SERAP urged the President to address the recent hike in petrol prices, framing the issue within the broader context of constitutional rights and international human rights obligations.
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The DSS occupation has ignited a firestorm of debate on social media, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users have expressed shock, condemnation, and concern over the implications for civil liberties and the rule of law in Nigeria. Many are questioning the government’s motives and calling for transparency and accountability from the state’s security agencies.
This incident underscores the rising tension between Nigerian state security agencies and civil society organizations. The demand to meet with SERAP’s directors has fueled speculation that the government may be seeking to intimidate or suppress groups that have been vocal in their criticism of policies, governance, and economic challenges facing the nation.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the DSS or the government, leaving the public to speculate on the exact motives behind this occupation. However, many fear this could be part of a broader attempt to weaken civil society organizations that play a critical role in holding the government accountable.
With tensions escalating between the government and civil society groups like SERAP, questions are now being raised about the balance of power in Nigeria. Will this be a turning point for how civil society is treated in the country, or is this part of a more concerning trend towards suppressing dissent?
Stay tuned as The Trumpet continues to monitor this developing story and provide updates.
