Activist decries harassment of whistleblowers for exposing corruption

A human rights activist has condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of whistleblowers who exposed corruption within a prominent organization. The activist criticized authorities for targeting those who reported financial mismanagement instead of addressing the irregularities, highlighting growing concerns over whistleblower safety in Nigeria.

This development follows the adjournment of a case filed by Kingsley Agah Tordue, Paul Adama, and Abayomi Ojekunle against the Nigeria Police Force at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case, with suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1772/2024, is being presided over by Justice Linman. The whistleblowers, who petitioned the court for enforcement of their fundamental human rights, claim they are facing persecution for exposing corruption within the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

In their lawsuit, the applicants cite violations of their rights under the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. They name the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) A.A. Elleman of the IGP Monitoring Unit, and Superintendent Onwuka Chinedu as respondents.

According to their legal representatives, Barrister Moses Ofeoshi, the whistleblowers had reported financial mismanagement within NECA, an organization funded by Nigerian companies to promote youth employment and workforce development.

However, instead of investigating the allegations, the police allegedly turned on the whistleblowers, treating them as criminals. The applicants argue that their rights to personal liberty, human dignity, and property ownership have been violated.

They also claim that employees cooperating with the investigation are facing disciplinary threats, including possible job losses. “We believe that the court will do justice to this case at the end of the day,” Ofeoshi stated.

Their legal team is urging the court to enforce their right to liberty and protect them from further harassment and retaliation. The case is adjourned to March 17th, 2024 for a hearing.