When Saving the Planet Becomes a Crime: the Repression of Climate Protests

By Obiabin Onukwugha

Around the world, people are taking to the streets to demand climate action, but instead of being heard, they are being silenced. From new anti-protest laws to police violence and even assassinations, the repression of climate and environmental activism is on the rise. Governments and corporations are using legal and violent tactics to stifle dissent, criminalizing those who fight to protect the planet.

Climate protests surged between 2018 and 2019, sparked by movements like Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and Just Stop Oil. These protests have not only continued but expanded, drawing attention to urgent environmental issues.

However, with this rise in activism has come a sharp increase in repression. Governments worldwide are introducing new laws, increasing police crackdowns, and in some cases, using extreme violence to suppress environmental defenders.

The repression of activism is not limited to one region. It spans both democratic and authoritarian governments, and it affects activists differently depending on their location and the nature of their protests:

In the Global North, activists face mass arrests, surveillance, and legal actions that equate peaceful protest with terrorism.

In the Global South, where many protests are against deforestation, mining, and fossil fuel extraction, activists face not only legal threats but also extreme violence, disappearances, and assassinations.

On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, environmental activist and Director of the Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), Mr. Odey Oyama and four others were arrested by Police officers from the Ikom division of the Cross River State Police Command and taken from his Okuni home to Calabar where he was kept incommunicado, without legal representation and without formal charges for at least 24 hours.

Odey Oyama is a resolute campaigner for the protection of the rainforest and biodiversity in Cross River state, a cause that has brought him in constant confrontation with illegal loggers who plunder the rich forest ecosystem of Cross River state. In recent times, Odey Oyama has been engaged in a fierce campaign against Chinese business concerns working with indigenous collaborators who are logging the Effi Rainforest, a trend that has resulted in massive deforestation, dissipation of wildlife and loss of biodiversity.

Those arrested alongside with Oyama and currently standing trial also, include; Alobi Ofuka, Ogbeshi Opene, Samuel Agbor and Konye Eka. They were granted bail of N5million with two sureties on like sum. Oyama is being accused of “promoting native war in Effi community” in Ikom Local Government Area (LGA).

The embattled activist was arrested alongside four others at his home town in Ikom, January 14, 2025 by the Police on the charge of what they described as which though could not be proven so far.

At the last adjourned date, the trial Magistrate, Okoho Bassey Otu asked the Prosecutor to provide evidence in case No MC/ 20C/2025 and MC/21C/2025 before the next court hearings. The matter was adjourned to February 14 this year.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the Cross River State government to look into the issues an environmental activist, Comrade Odey Oyama was arrested and what he stood for.

They said by so doing, the truth on current interplay on issues of environment and the wanton destruction of the state’s forests will emerge and culprits brought to book.

Recall that in recent times, Oyama who is the Director of Rainforest Resource and Development Centre (RRDC), has been engaging in a fierce campaign against Chinese business concerns working with indigenous collaborators who are logging the Effi Rainforest recklessly, a trend that has resulted in massive deforestation, dissipation of wildlife and loss of biodiversity.

Earlier, some civil society organisations led by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), while reacting to the arrest of Oyama stated that the action of the Nigeria Police has once again demonstrated flagrant disregard for due process and their role in stifling dissenting voices, especially when vested business interests are at stake.

They said in a statement that, Odey Oyama a conscientious objector to the destruction of the environment, rather than enjoy the protection of the government, is being systematically persecuted.

“As civil society organizations and activists in Nigeria, we are familiar with the selfless campaigns of Odey Oyama that have earned him national and international recognition and have helped to preserve the ecological heritage of Cross River State. We are therefore alarmed that rather than support the efforts of Oyama and other campaigners like him to check the illegal destruction of the Cross River forests, the Police is complicit in weakening his resolve and repressing him. It is even more alarming that he was arrested and detained without formal charges against all extant Nigeria and international laws.

“We are also concerned that this latest arrest is symbolic of the growing intolerance of the government towards the legitimate activities of civil society organizations. In Cross River State in particular, we have witnessed a pattern of arrest and detention of journalists and activists with the flimsiest excuses, but covertly to stifle democratic dissent. We are worried that the civic space is shrinking at an accelerated rate in the state, and the Police is highly complicit in this deteriorating trend.”

History has shown that repression often backfires. The more governments try to silence activists, the more determined movements become. Climate activism is evolving, with new strategies emerging:
“Legal battles – Activists are challenging anti-protest laws in courts.
“Digital activism – Online campaigns are raising awareness and organizing protests worldwide.
*Community resistance – Local groups are mobilizing to defend their land and resources despite the risks.

How You Can Support Climate Activists
*Stay informed – Follow independent media outlets that report on climate activism and repression.
*Amplify their voices – Share stories of activists facing repression on social media.
*Support legal defense funds – Many activists need financial support for legal battles.
*Join or support environmental groups – Whether through direct action or donations, collective support makes a difference.
With additional report from Green Glow