Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has called on President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action to end extrajudicial killings and other forms of violence allegedly perpetrated by state actors, warning that continued silence by citizens only encourages further human rights abuses.
Speaking at the 28th Wole Soyinka Lecture held in Port Harcourt with the theme, “Reclaiming the Nigerian State through Accountability, Justice and Civic Courage,” Soyinka dedicated the 2026 edition of the annual lecture to victims of extrajudicial killings and abuses of state power across Nigeria.
He described the country’s greatest tragedy as not only the unlawful killings but also the collective silence that allows perpetrators to evade justice.
According to Soyinka, the indifference of both citizens and institutions has contributed to the erosion of the value of human life in Nigeria.
He paid tribute to several victims, including the 18 Ughelli residents allegedly killed by security operatives, a young man reportedly shot dead by a police officer in broad daylight, and Deborah Yakubu, the student who was lynched and burnt to death by a mob.
“Today is dedicated to the 18 Ughelli residents butchered by state agencies for no reason at all, simply for minding their own business; to the young man shot dead in broad daylight by a policeman while under suspicion; and to Deborah, the youth hunted through the city by her own classmates, necklaced and set ablaze,” Soyinka said.
He lamented what he described as the failure of Nigeria’s justice system to hold perpetrators accountable, recalling that some of those involved in Deborah’s killing openly admitted their actions without facing immediate consequences.
The Nobel Laureate also dismissed accusations that speaking against such incidents amounted to promoting religious or ethnic divisions. Instead, he said discussions like the Wole Soyinka Lecture are necessary to remind Nigerians that the sanctity of human life should remain the nation’s highest value.
Soyinka urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue demanding justice, particularly in cases involving alleged abuses by security personnel, insisting that accountability must prevail regardless of those involved.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, argued that justice begins long before cases reach the courtroom, stressing that fairness starts with how law enforcement officers handle complaints.
He criticised Nigeria’s criminal justice system, revealing that about 64 percent of inmates in custodial centres—more than 50,000 people—are awaiting trial despite not being convicted of any offence.
According to Chidoka, prolonged detention without trial represents another form of state violence, as it destroys livelihoods, separates families and deprives citizens of their freedom.
He maintained that justice can only thrive when the law is applied equally to everyone, irrespective of status, political affiliation or public opinion.
Chidoka added that government authorities must obey court judgments, while suspects should always have access to legal representation and fair treatment.
Chairman of the occasion and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Timi Alaibe, also called for greater accountability in governance.
Drawing from his experience in public service, Alaibe said sustainable national development cannot be achieved without transparency, justice and strong institutions.
He urged participants from government, academia, civil society and the private sector not to treat the annual lecture as a ceremonial gathering but as an opportunity to recommit themselves to rebuilding Nigeria through integrity and civic responsibility.
The lecture concluded with renewed calls for stronger institutions, respect for human rights and a justice system capable of protecting every Nigerian regardless of social or political standing.
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