Civil Society groups urge Enugu State government to ensure rights-compliant internal security bill

A coalition of 15 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has responded to the Enugu State Government’s proposed Internal Security Bill, welcoming the initiative to combat crimes and criminal enablers while emphasizing the need for strict adherence to human rights, due process, and the rule of law.

The proposed bill, which mirrors similar legislation earlier adopted by Anambra State, targets illicit spiritual practices, kidnappers, and bandits. Key provisions include outlawing ‘Okite’ and ‘Odeshi’ practices, regulating native doctors and herbalists, and imposing surveillance on hotel operators.

However, the CSOs have raised concerns about potential human rights abuses, emphasizing the need for non-discriminatory, evidence-based, and transparent enforcement.

The bill requires native doctors, herbalists, and spiritual practitioners to register with the state government, which could help sanitize practices exploited to shield or promote criminality.

The bill’s provision requiring individuals to “prove supernatural powers” raises questions about the burden of proof and standard of evidence law enforcement may rely upon.

Hotel operators would be required to install surveillance cameras in public areas and submit recordings to relevant authorities upon request.

The bill proposed forfeiting properties used for kidnapping, banditry, or other criminal activities, which could have implications for property owners’ rights.

The bill’s clauses allowing detention based on “reasonable suspicion” of loitering in forests or uncompleted buildings could lead to arbitrary arrests or profiling.

The CSOs have urged the Enugu State House of Assembly to, conduct inclusive public hearings to receive input from stakeholders, and insert clear checks and oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of power.

Ensure compliance with constitutional rights to fair hearing, protection from arbitrary detention, and freedom of belief. Provide clear definitions and guidelines to law enforcement officers on the application of the law

The CSOs remain committed to supporting evidence-based, rights-compliant solutions to insecurity and criminality in Nigeria, and look forward to the final version of the Enugu State Bill incorporating strong safeguards that uphold both public safety and individual rights.

These groups are; 1Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC); Spaces for Change (S4C);
Parent-Child Intervention Centre (PCIC); Sisters With A Goal Initiative (SWAG); ÓNÚRÚBÉ coalition against gender-based violence; and Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS).

Foundation For Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Better Community Life Initiative; Citizens Centre for Integrated Development and Social Rights – CCIDESOR, Imo State; Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation FCT; Serene Society Initiative (Serene); Nchekwa Ndi Ogbenye Foundation; Ethics and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria; Vision Spring Initiatives and Vivacious Development Initiate (VIDI).