HURIWA warns against suppression of civil protests, as police raids leader’s home

By Abubakar Yunusa

The recent raid on the home of Michael Lenin, a key figure in the ongoing EndBadGovernance protests, has sparked outrage and condemnation from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA).
Armed operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly stormed Lenin’s residence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of Monday, arresting him in what HURIWA described as an unconstitutional act and a blatant attempt to suppress peaceful protests.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, called for Lenin’s immediate and unconditional release.
The group condemned the actions of the DSS, labeling them as “reprehensible and abominable,” and demanded an end to such operations.
He emphasized that Nigeria, as a nation committed to global human rights standards, must ensure its security forces operate within the bounds of the law and respect the rights of citizens, as outlined in Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution.
He said :”The raid on Lenin’s home, where he was reportedly assaulted and detained in front of his family, has drawn criticism from various quarters.
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, confirmed the incident and described the DSS actions as a gross violation of human rights.
Adenola stressed the urgency of Lenin’s release, denouncing the use of force against peaceful protesters.
HURIWA also criticized the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the FCT Police Command for using excessive force to disperse peaceful demonstrators.
He also accused the police of deploying teargas into residential areas, including homes of nursing mothers, during protests in Abuja’s Area 1 Garki motor park.”
The association expressed concerns that the government’s heavy-handed response could push frustrated citizens toward more extreme measures.