Ekiti: SERAP wants UN intervention on attack on courts, judges

(Nigeria) Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked Ms Gabriela Knaul, the United Nations, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers to “use your good offices and position to urgently investigate recent reports of attack on courts and judges in Ekiti State of Nigeria, and to make it very clear to the Nigerian government that your mandate will not accept intimidation, harassment or any form of attacks against judges and other actors of the justice system.”

SERAP in the petition by its Executive Director, Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, said “Apart from violating the rights of the judges to personal dignity and security, the attacks also constitute a threat to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and the entire justice system. The attacks amount to improper interferences and pressures on the judiciary, and can undermine the smooth function of justice, public’s confidence in the rule of law, effective enjoyment of human rights, and ultimately lead to people taking the law into their own hands.

“Impunity for such acts of intimidation and harassment can also have a ‘chilling effect’ on other judges, negatively influencing the quality of their work, forcing them to renounce certain kinds of cases, and working in the fear that they or their families may be at risk because of their judicial work.

“SERAP understands that the attacks on courts and judges may have been politically motivated. Any attack against judges is an attack against the constitutional and internationally recognized right of the people to access justice because it aims to discourage judges from exercising their judicial functions independently and impartially, and with utmost integrity and sense of security.

"We are also concerned that attacks, intimidation and threats against judges and lawyers are likely to increase ahead of the general elections early next year. The Nigerian government has an obligation to provide a conducive environment and to guarantee that judges can do their job without intimidation and without risking their safety."

SERAP urged Ms Gabriela Knaul to: Publicly condemn the attacks, intimidation and threats against judges in Ekiti State of Nigeria, and call for whoever is suspected to be responsible to be brought to justice promptly

*Request to visit Ekiti State in order to conduct fact finding mission and to report back to the UN Human Rights Council on your findings and action for the Council to take;

Ask the Nigerian government to take measures to ensure effective protection of judges and lawyers and to promote their independence, security and freedoms.