Justice - HEDA Resource Centre

HEDA Condemns Police Detention and Brutality Against Omoyele Sowore, Demands Unconditional Release

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has strongly condemned the arrest and brutal treatment meted out to Mr. Omoyele Sowore, a political activist and former presidential candidate, by the Nigeria Police Force. In a statement signed by HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, the civil society group decried the illegal arrest, physical injury, inhumane treatment, and attempts on his life while in custody. “The circumstances surrounding Sowore’s invitation, detention, and transfer to an undisclosed location, including the reported alleged release of noxious gas into his holding cell and the severe injury to his right arm are unacceptable and condemnable,” Suraju stated. These actions according to HEDA raise serious concerns about the sanctity of human life and the rule of law in Nigeria. Suraju emphasized that as a human rights group that values freedom and the dignity of all individuals, HEDA cannot stand idly by while Sowore is subjected to such treatment by the Nigeria Police force in a case reportedly involving police officers allegedly close to the Inspector General of the police force. The group demands the immediate and unconditional release of Omoyele Sowore, provision of necessary medical attention, and assurance of his safety. HEDA also insists that the Nigeria Police Force must tender a public apology for the violation of Sowore’s human rights. “We hold the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, and those responsible for this atrocity accountable for any harm that comes to Sowore’s health or life and will report them individually and collectively to all relevant international bodies and governments,” Suraju added. HEDA also urges civil society organizations and the international community to join in condemning this brazen act of police brutality and demand justice for Omoyele Sowore.

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 By heda

HEDA News

Court Grants HEDA’s Application, Orders National Assembly to Disclose N37bn Complex Renovation Records and Spending

In a landmark judgment affirming the public’s right to accountability and transparency, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted the application of the Incorporated Trustees of the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), compelling the National Assembly to release critical information on the N37 billion renovation of the National Assembly Complex. Delivering judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/51/2022, brought on behalf of HEDA by Barr. Seidu Mohammed, Hon. Justice Emeka Nwite ruled in favour of HEDA’s request for an order of mandamus, directing the National Assembly to provide detailed information on the renovation. Specifically, the Court ordered the National Assembly to release: The proposal, assessment, and procedure employed in arriving at the initially reported N37 billion for renovation; The actual amount approved and allocated for the renovation; and the amount already disbursed for the renovation. The Court held that the information sought is simple and harmless, and that the National Assembly has no valid reason to deny HEDA the information under the Freedom of Information Act. ‎”Where an institution like the Respondent denies or is deemed to have denied an Applicant the instant information sought, it will not only defeat the very purpose of the Act but encourage corruption and financial recklessness. The Respondent has no valid reason to deny the Applicant the information in line with the FOI Act.” Reacting to the judgment, HEDA’s Chairman, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, described the Court’s decision as a major win for transparency and accountability in governance. “This judgment sets a precedent for public access to information on government projects. We expect the National Assembly to comply fully with the Court’s order and provide the required information.” HEDA calls on all stakeholders including the media, civil society organisations, etc to join in demanding accountability from public institutions and to support the fight against corruption and financial recklessness.

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 By heda

Climate change

Nigeria’s Judiciary Faces Credibility Crisis: HEDA’s Latest LAR Report Calls for Urgent Reform

The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) has issued a sobering assessment of Nigeria’s judicial system in its fifth Leadership Approval Rating (LAR) report, “Voice for Justice: A civic Lens on Nigeria’s Judicial System – Documenting Public Experience Opinions, and Reform Demands. The recently and widely-reported launch in Lagos, the report paints a stark portrait of public disillusionment with judiciary and demands urgent, far-reaching reforms. Based on a nationwide survey of 1,357 Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the findings reveal widespread perception of corruption, inaccessibility, and political interference within the judiciary. HEDA’s Executive Secretary, Sulaimon Arigbabu, described the report as “a mirror held up to power,” reflecting the lived experience of citizens rather than abstract statistics. The key findings of the report include: Only 12% of the respondents rated the judiciary as highly accessible while 36.5% described accessibility as low. Half of those surveyed had never interacted with the courts, and when interaction occurred, they were mostly administrative such as obtaining affidavits or settling land disputes, rather than seeking substantive justice. Nearly half (49%) submitted to paying or “sorting” court officials, and 65.4% believed judicial corruption is high or extremely high. Beyond corruption and inefficiency, the judiciary was also seen as complicit in broader rights violations: 60% of respondents accused it of enabling police abuses and imposing excessive bail conditions. To address these challenges, the report calls for a comprehensive reform agenda including full judicial autonomy and restructuring of the NJC, improved pay, welfare, and security for judges, stronger anti-corruption enforcement, greater transparency, such as livestreamed court proceedings and the use of body-worn cameras, among others. Arigbabu stressed that the recommendations are not optional, but necessary steps to restore public trust and uphold democracy. He emphasized that many reforms require not new policies, but better applications of existing rules, such as reducing unnecessary adjournments and ensuring timely reviews of remand orders. Speaking at the launch, HEDA’s Senior Program Consultant, Sina Odugbemi urged civic actors, media, and citizens to intensify efforts in exposing corruption and advocating for change. “Corruption is everywhere, and we must expose it. We need journalism that digs deeper and citizens who demand accountability.” he said. HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, echoed these sentiments, affirming HEDA’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s institutions. “This report is a call to action. Public instituitons must be answerable to the people they serv. Together, we can rise to the challenge and transform the judiciary for the better.” As Nigeria’s judiciary stands at a crossroads, the message from citizens is clear: reforms are urgently needed and the time to act is now.

June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 By Nurudeen Salako