Nigerian diaspora groups have called for greater responsibility in public discourse while advocating reforms to Nigeria's bail system, saying freedom of expression must be exercised within the bounds of the law and should not be used to justify careless, baseless, or defamatory allegations.

The groups said activism and freedom of expression are fundamental pillars of democracy but do not confer the right to spread falsehood or criminally defame individuals. They stressed that while citizens have every right to hold public officials accountable, such criticism must be factual, responsible, and capable of being substantiated.

According to the coalition, the law exists to maintain public order and protect the rights and reputation of every citizen, regardless of social or political status. It cautioned against narratives suggesting that influential individuals arbitrarily send others to prison, noting that criminal prosecutions are expected to follow established legal processes. Where there are genuine concerns about abuse of legal process, the coalition said the appropriate remedy lies in the courts and other lawful channels.

The coalition stated that it has never hidden its support for the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and will continue to defend him whenever, in its view, false, defamatory, or malicious statements are made against his person or office. It maintained that no individual should be subjected to campaigns of misinformation or character assassination under the guise of activism or free speech.

The groups further warned that anyone who publishes or circulates defamatory statements should be prepared to face the full weight of the law if found culpable by a court of competent jurisdiction. They added that such individuals should not seek sympathy or attempt to politicise legal proceedings by appealing to ethnic, religious, or political sentiments once legal action is instituted.

While making these observations, the coalition acknowledged concerns over stringent bail conditions imposed in some criminal cases. It argued that bail conditions should be realistic, reasonable, and attainable, warning that excessively burdensome requirements effectively amount to continued detention and contribute significantly to the growing population of awaiting-trial inmates in correctional centres across the country.

The coalition therefore called on the judiciary and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system to review bail practices to ensure they uphold the constitutional presumption of innocence, guarantee access to justice, and strike a fair balance between protecting society and preserving the rights of accused persons.

The statement was jointly signed by the Global Peace Movement International, led by Dr. Mike Uyi; The International Watchers, chaired by Dr. Olusegun Ademola; the Nigerian Heritage and Development Agenda, represented by its Secretary General, Dr. Imatitikwa Igbinoba; the Sustained Policy and Reform Coalition, headed by Dr. Hauwa Ladi Usman; the Nigerian Interest Protection Forum, chaired by Dr. Chidebere Chiamaka Ifesinachi; and the Diaspora Accountability Network Nigeria, represented by its Secretary General, Dr. Beatrice Etim-Onyemachi.