Falana Warns of Rising Threats to Rule of Law as Forced Demolitions, Civic Suppression Deepen Inequality in Nigeria
Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, SAN, has raised serious concerns over what he described as a growing threat to the rule of law in Nigeria, pointing to recent forced demolitions and the suppression of civil liberties as troubling indicators. Falana made the remarks in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during the 2025 Annual General Conference of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), a gathering that brought together civil society leaders, activists, and delegates from across the country to deliberate on the state of democracy and human rights in Nigeria.
The conference, themed “Advancing and Defending the Rule of Law in Nigeria: Stakeholders’ Tragedy and Way Forward,” served as a platform for critical reflection on governance, accountability, and citizens’ rights under Nigeria’s democratic dispensation. Speaking through his representative, Malachy Ugwumadu, Falana questioned whether the rule of law can truly be said to be operational in Nigeria, even under a civilian government. He argued that recent events, particularly the controversial demolitions in Makoko and Oworonsoki areas of Lagos State, illustrate a troubling disregard for legal protections and human dignity.
Falana lamented that thousands of Nigerians have been displaced through the demolitions, with homes and properties allegedly razed without adequate safeguards, even while occupants, including children, were still present. According to him, the affected communities largely comprise economically vulnerable citizens who lack the financial and political influence enjoyed by residents of more affluent areas such as Ikoyi and Ajah. He described this pattern as a manifestation of systemic inequality, where the poor are disproportionately exposed to state power without meaningful legal protection.
Beyond forced demolitions, Falana expressed deep concern over what he described as the shrinking civic space in Nigeria. He cited restrictions on the right to protest, growing threats to press freedom, and a lack of respect for court judgments as further evidence that the rule of law is under strain. He specifically referenced the treatment of activists such as Soweto Hassan and Dele Frank, who he said were allegedly manhandled and prosecuted for daring to challenge government actions through protests.
The human rights advocate further warned that Nigeria is witnessing a dangerous trend where legal instruments are being used to suppress dissent rather than protect citizens. He accused the government of weaponising the Cybercrime Act to intimidate journalists and stifle the media, a development he likened to a return to authoritarian practices reminiscent of the military era. Falana questioned how the country appeared to have “sleep-walked” back into a mindset that undermines democratic freedoms and civil liberties.
In his remarks, Falana also drew attention to the widening socio-economic divide in the country, arguing that policies and actions of the state increasingly weaken the poor while entrenching inequality between the rich and the poor. He described Nigeria as a nation facing deepening challenges, noting that while the country has always grappled with governance issues, the current trajectory appears more deliberate in marginalising the underprivileged.
Calling for collective action, Falana urged civil society leaders and human rights advocates to remain steadfast and resolute in their commitment to justice, accountability, and the defence of fundamental freedoms. He stressed that sustained advocacy and resistance are necessary to reverse what he described as a dangerous erosion of the rule of law.
Also speaking at the conference, CDHR Vice President, Yinka Folarin, acknowledged that defending human rights in Nigeria has become increasingly difficult. He emphasised that democracy must be anchored on the rule of law and that respect for human rights should form the cornerstone of any democratic system. Folarin noted that Nigeria still has significant work to do in promoting and protecting human rights, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to ensure that democratic ideals are not reduced to mere rhetoric.
