HURIWA URGES DSS TO ARREST IGBOHO OVER ALLEGED THREATS

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has called on the Department of State Services to invite and, if necessary, arrest Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo over alleged threats directed at opposition politicians in the South-West.

The group’s demand follows a viral video and audio clip in which Igboho was reportedly heard warning that political opponents of President Bola Tinubu, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, should not campaign in the Yoruba region.

In a statement issued on Monday, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, described the alleged remarks as a threat to democratic order.

“These statements are dangerous, unlawful, and capable of inciting political violence,” the group said.

“Security agencies must act promptly to avert a breakdown of law and order ahead of the 2027 general elections,” the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria said.

The association emphasized that no individual has the constitutional right to restrict political activities or movement in any part of the country.

HURIWA also cautioned that the incident reflects a recurring pattern of political intimidation in the South-West, citing similar occurrences during the 2023 general elections.

The group also pointed to actions linked to Musiliu Akinsanya.

The association also highlighted what it described as inflammatory statements from political figures, including presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, cautioning that such rhetoric could encourage further threats.

HURIWA called on both the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force to summon Igboho for questioning and take appropriate legal action if the allegations are verified.

“The convergence of these events raises serious concerns about a coordinated pattern of political intimidation. Failure to act decisively could create the perception of state-backed complicity or selective law enforcement,” the group said.

The organisation further warned that leaving such threats unchecked could escalate into violence and provoke reprisals in other regions.

The group urged President Bola Tinubu to publicly distance himself from any individual or group making threats in his name.

“The President must take immediate steps to assure Nigerians that no group is being empowered, directly or indirectly, to intimidate or attack political opponents,” HURIWA stated, warning that “silence or inaction could be seen as tacit approval.”

The association stressed that Nigeria’s unity depends on protecting democratic freedoms, including the right to campaign and participate in politics nationwide.

“No region of the country should be rendered off-limits to any Nigerian seeking political support,” the group added.