‘Criticism Is Not a Crime’ — Rights Group Warns Against Shrinking Civic Space After Okey Ndibe Airport Questioning

The Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS) has expressed concern over what it described as the shrinking civic space in Nigeria following the reported questioning of renowned writer, Okey Ndibe, by security officials at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement titled, “When Criticism Becomes a Crime: The Dangerous Shrinking of Civic Space in Nigeria,” the organisation warned that the incident has reignited concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of individuals critical of government policies.

The Executive Director of CEHRAWS, Okoye Chuka Peter, cautioned against any perception that dissenting voices are increasingly being viewed as security threats. While authorities reportedly described the encounter with Ndibe as routine, he argued that repeated scrutiny of journalists, activists, writers, and opposition figures could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

Okoye referenced Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantee freedom of expression and association, alongside international human rights instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“Criticism is not sabotage. Dissent is not treason. Opposition is not criminality,” he stated.

According to him, democracy flourishes when citizens can freely express their opinions and hold leaders accountable without fear of intimidation or reprisals.

He urged government institutions to reassure Nigerians that no individual would be targeted for peacefully criticising public officials or government policies.

“The true measure of a democracy is not how it treats its supporters, but how it treats its critics,” Okoye added.

The rights group further called on relevant authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms and protect civic space, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on safeguarding free speech, civic engagement, and public participation.