Lawyers accuse Kebbi government of weaponising Judiciary to silence critics

A coalition of legal practitioners has accused the Kebbi State Government of systematically weaponising the judiciary to silence critics, alleging that lower courts are being used to arbitrarily detain citizens who speak out against the administration.

Addressing journalists on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy said it had documented over 20 cases of individuals ranging from political opponents and civic activists to online commentators who were arrested and jailed on what it described as frivolous or politically motivated charges.

“This pattern of targeted repression constitutes a clear and systematic violation of fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory,” said Mr. Kalu Kalu Agu, the Centre’s Head of Legal Services.

According to the group, victims are often arrested without warrants, denied access to legal counsel, coerced into writing statements, and detained for longer than the constitutionally permitted period. Charges such as “public nuisance,” “inciting public disturbance,” and “defamation” are allegedly being wrongfully invoked to criminalise free speech and stifle opposition voices.

The coalition also raised concerns about the role of Magistrate and Area Courts in the process, accusing them of enabling abuse by entertaining meritless charges and imposing harsh sentences without proper legal scrutiny. “They often lend legitimacy to these abuses by entertaining meritless charges and issuing harsh sentences without proper legal scrutiny or regard for due process,” Agu said.

It added that these actions breach several sections of the Nigerian Constitution specifically Sections 35, 36, 39, and 40 as well as international treaties including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In response, the group said it had submitted petitions to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, heads of security agencies, and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The petition reportedly includes names of individuals allegedly targeted for expressing opinions or calling for government accountability.

“We urge all relevant authorities to take immediate action to halt these violations, restore the rule of law, and ensure justice for all affected citizens,” the Centre stated.