Human rights organizations have strongly criticized Nigeria’s application of the Cybercrimes Act, demanding immediate reforms.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors jointly condemned its misuse against journalists and activists.
In a Sunday statement, both groups urged President Tinubu to stop weaponizing the law to suppress free speech. They specifically called for the release of all individuals detained under controversial cybercrime charges nationwide.
Kolawole Oluwadare of SERAP and Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren from the Editors’ Guild signed the forceful appeal. They warned that silencing critics contradicts constitutional democracy and international human rights obligations.
Furthermore, the organizations highlighted how the Act creates a climate of fear among media professionals and civil society. Arbitrary arrests under this legislation, they noted, discourage citizens from holding leaders accountable through legitimate dissent.
The statement particularly condemned security agencies for targeting bloggers, artists, and opposition figures. Such repression, they argued, signals dangerous democratic backsliding under the new administration.
Additionally, the groups expressed alarm over rising threats against journalists’ safety. They cited increasing cases of strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) designed to intimidate critics into self-censorship.
Moreover, the joint declaration emphasized media’s vital role in exposing governance failures and corruption. When authorities punish truth-tellers, they undermine Nigeria’s entire democratic framework, the organizations stressed.
The activists also referenced global free expression standards that Nigeria routinely violates. International law clearly protects online speech, yet Nigerian courts increasingly side with censors over citizens.
Meanwhile, detained journalists face deteriorating health conditions in overcrowded detention centers. Their prolonged incarceration without trial constitutes cruel treatment, the groups emphasized.
Consequently, SERAP and the Editors’ Guild demanded concrete legislative reforms within 30 days. They proposed amendments removing vague provisions that enable abuse against government critics.
The organizations also recommended judicial training on digital rights jurisprudence. Many magistrates, they observed, misinterpret cybercrime statutes to criminalize legitimate political commentary.
Additionally, they urged the National Assembly to repeal sections criminalizing “offensive” online content. Such subjective terms empower officials to punish any disagreeable opinions, chilling public debate.
The statement further called for accountability mechanisms against security agents misapplying the law. Without consequences, police and DSS officers will continue arresting citizens for harmless social media posts.
Ultimately, the groups warned that Nigeria’s global reputation suffers with each suppression case. Foreign investors and partners monitor these rights violations when assessing democratic credibility.
As pressure mounts, all eyes turn to the Presidency for action. Will Tinubu’s administration reform this draconian law or perpetuate its abuse against dissenting voices?
The coming weeks will prove decisive for Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. Either authorities uphold constitutional freedoms or accelerate the country’s descent into digital authoritarianism.
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