Nigeria: Group Urges Action Against Strategic Lawsuits Threatening Free Expression

In Nigeria, the fight for press freedom and the protection of civil society voices is a constant battle. The Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) is at the forefront, raising critical concerns about the increasing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).

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SLAPPs are lawsuits instituted not to seek justice but to suppress it, often used to intimidate journalists, silence human rights defenders and weaken civil society organisations.

These lawsuits, as Hassan Nurudeen of HBBA explains, are not about seeking justice but about suppressing it. They are weaponized to intimidate journalists, human rights defenders, and organizations working for democratic accountability. This is a particularly insidious threat in a country where a free press and active civil society are vital for good governance.

HBBA's initiatives, supported by organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy, are crucial. Their podcast series featuring prominent journalists and their online explainer course involving institutions like the National Human Rights Commission and the Nigerian Bar Association aim to educate and empower. The push for the Human Rights Defenders Bill further underscores the need for legislative protection against such abuses.

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such legal actions posed a “quiet but dangerous threat” to freedom of expression, accountability and democratic participation in Nigeria.

From a Nigerian perspective, the use of SLAPPs is not just a legal issue; it's an attack on the very foundations of our democracy. While international media might report on press freedom issues, they may not fully grasp the daily realities and the specific tactics employed to stifle dissent here. HBBA's work is essential in defending the defenders and ensuring that the legal system serves justice, not oppression.

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Defending the Defenders: Enhancing Action Against Suppressive Laws and Lawsuits in Nigeria.