Former Senator, Shehu Sani, has described the invasion of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) office by officials of Department of State Services (DSS) as concerning.

On Monday, some officers from DSS invaded the Abuja office of SERAP.

According to SERAP, the invasion followed their call on President Tinubu to direct the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to immediately reverse the increase in the pump price of petrol and to investigate alleged corruption and mismanagement in the NNPC.

Reacting to the invasion on his X handle, Sani wrote, “The reported invasion of SERAP office is concerning. Security agencies must respect the fundamental rights of the organisation, its officials and members as guaranteed by the constitution of the country.“

A statement by SERAP read: “The invasion of SERAP’s office by the DSS and the harassment and intimidation of our staff members is a brutal assault on the entire human rights community in the country.

“The escalating crackdown on human rights, and harassment and intimidation of NGOs and human rights defenders that have shown astonishing courage in their human rights work hurt those most in need, undermine access of Nigerian victims of human rights violations and abuses to justice, and contribute to a culture of impunity of perpetrators.

“This government has an obligation to support and protect civil society groups and human rights defenders.”

The organisation expressed concern over the growing restrictions on civic space and the brutal crackdown on the human rights of Nigerians.