Des défenseurs des droits humains et des avocats manifestent devant la Haute Cour fédérale

Rights activists and lawyers gathered outside the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday to stage a peaceful protest, demanding fair treatment for Nigerians and other African litigants in foreign judicial systems. The demonstrators marched to the embassies of the United States and South Africa, where they submitted petitions highlighting concerns over racial bias and unequal treatment in legal proceedings abroad. The protest was organized by the Legion of Mary Social Justice Troopers, a group dedicated to advocating for human rights and social justice. The demonstration began at the Federal High Court, where participants held up signs reading “Stop Discrimination Against Nigerians,” “Respect Due Process,” “Justice for African Descendants,” “Africa Must Rise,” and “End Judicial Bias Against Black Litigants.” These messages underscored the group's focus on addressing systemic inequalities faced by individuals of African descent in international legal settings. Protesters called upon both the Nigerian government and the global community to prioritize the voices of Africans seeking justice beyond national borders, especially within the U.S. legal system. Barrister Okechukwu Okafor, representing Beverly Hills Chambers, addressed the media during the protest. He noted that the demonstration aimed to highlight challenges related to access to justice for people of African descent in certain foreign jurisdictions. According to Okafor, the protest was designed to foster discussions around due process, equal treatment under the law, and the broader experiences of African litigants overseas. He emphasized that the movement was rooted in the belief that justice should not be influenced by a person’s race or place of origin. Okafor explained that the protest was connected to a case currently being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja. This case, he said, involves issues surrounding how Nigerians and other Africans are treated in foreign legal systems. The group is pushing for greater awareness of problems related to access to justice, immigration procedures, and the rights of African litigants. They argue that these matters require sustained attention and advocacy through legal and peaceful means. In addition to raising awareness, the group has directly reached out to diplomatic representatives. Okafor confirmed that they have submitted petitions to the embassies of the United States and South Africa, urging these governments to take their concerns seriously. The letters call for fairness in judicial and administrative processes that affect Nigerians and other Africans. The protesters seek equal treatment in courtrooms abroad, transparency in immigration decisions, and strict adherence to due process. Okafor reiterated that the group does not ask for preferential treatment but rather equal justice and equal protection under the law. He stressed that these principles form the bedrock of democratic societies and must be upheld universally. The campaign, he said, aims to ensure that Nigerians are treated with dignity regardless of where they reside, and that justice is delivered impartially and without prejudice. The protest reflects growing concerns among legal professionals and activists about the treatment of Africans in international legal frameworks. As the group continues its efforts, it remains to be seen how the Nigerian government and foreign authorities will respond to these calls for reform. For now, the demonstration stands as a clear statement of intent, emphasizing the need for equitable justice for all.