HURIWA Urges DSS to Arrest Sunday Igboho Over Alleged Threats to Opposition Figures
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to immediately invite and, if necessary, arrest Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, over alleged threats against opposition politicians.
The rights group made the demand following the circulation of a viral video and audio clip in which Igboho was reported to have warned that political opponents of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi—should not campaign in the South-West region.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the alleged remarks as dangerous and capable of inciting political violence, warning that such rhetoric threatens Nigeria’s democratic stability.
The organisation stressed that no individual has the constitutional authority to restrict political activities or movement within any part of the country. It urged security agencies to act swiftly to prevent a breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 general elections.
HURIWA also expressed concern over what it described as a pattern of political intimidation in the South-West, referencing incidents during the 2023 elections where certain groups of voters reportedly faced threats. The group warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could normalize political violence and undermine national unity.
Furthermore, the association cautioned that continued threats could heighten political tensions and trigger retaliatory actions in other parts of the country, thereby deepening divisions. It called on President Tinubu to publicly distance himself from any individuals issuing threats in his name and to reassure Nigerians of the government’s commitment to protecting democratic rights.
HURIWA concluded by urging both the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force to thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are substantiated, emphasizing that no part of Nigeria should be a “no-go area” for political participation.
