Date: March 7, 2026 l Reporter: Mensah
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has accused the Nigeria Police Force of engaging in what it described as judicial persecution following the prison remand of UK-based Nigerian blogger Maureen Badejo.
The rights group raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding Badejo’s detention and remand, alleging that the police were using the judicial system to punish and silence the blogger rather than pursue legitimate law enforcement objectives.
According to CDHR, the continued detention of Badejo reflects a troubling pattern of abuse within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, where authorities allegedly rely on court processes such as remand orders to keep individuals in custody while investigations are ongoing. The organization warned that such practices undermine fundamental human rights and due process.
The controversy stems from petitions reportedly filed against Badejo by prominent Nigerian religious leaders, including Apostle Johnson Suleman of Omega Fire Ministries and Dr. Daniel Olukoya, the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM). The petitions reportedly accuse the blogger of misconduct linked to her online publications and social media activities.
Badejo was arrested in Lagos by operatives of the Nigerian police and later taken into custody as investigations into the allegations progressed. Her detention has sparked criticism from activists and civil society groups who argue that the police action appears excessive and politically motivated.
CDHR called on Nigerian authorities to respect constitutional rights and ensure that the criminal justice system is not used as a tool to intimidate critics or suppress freedom of expression. The group emphasized that law enforcement agencies must operate within the bounds of the law and uphold the principles of justice and fairness.
Human rights advocates have continued to monitor the case closely, warning that the outcome could have broader implications for freedom of expression, digital activism, and the protection of civil liberties in Nigeria.
The case remains under legal review as debates continue over the role of the police and the judiciary in handling disputes involving online commentary and allegations of defamation.