The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately halt the use of the Cybercrimes Act to target journalists, activists, and citizens peacefully expressing dissenting opinions online.
The two organizations issued the call at a press conference held in Lagos to mark the 2025 World Press Freedom Day. Themed “Unchecked Injustice: How Authorities Are Weaponizing the Cybercrimes Act to Stifle Peaceful Dissent and Media Freedom in Nigeria,” the event took place at the Radisson Hotel, Ikeja.
In a joint statement, SERAP and NGE condemned what they described as the persistent and unlawful application of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, particularly its amended Section 24, to arbitrarily arrest, detain, and prosecute Nigerians engaging in peaceful expression, especially online.
“The use of the Cybercrimes Act to lock up people peacefully expressing their views sends a chilling message that fundamental rights are not a priority under the Tinubu administration,” the groups stated.
“This law has been normalized as a tool for repression, violating Nigeria’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights commitments.”
The groups warned that the continued weaponization of Section 24 of the Act—especially the broadly defined offence of “cyberstalking”—undermines press freedom and democratic accountability in Nigeria. They noted that the amendment passed by the National Assembly in 2024 failed to comply with a 2022 judgment of the ECOWAS Court, which found the section to be vague, arbitrary, and in violation of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
They said that since the amendment, state and federal authorities have increasingly used the law to suppress dissent and punish journalists and social media users under the guise of protecting public order.
“Section 24 has become a convenient legal weapon to criminalize free expression. The vague definition of ‘cyberstalking’ opens the floodgates for abuse and the silencing of criticism.”
The statement also decried the use of broadcasting regulations by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to sanction media houses arbitrarily. It criticized a trend of malicious prosecutions, intimidation, and extrajudicial actions against members of the press.
Citing data from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), the groups revealed that Nigeria recorded 110 verified press attacks in 2024 alone, surpassing the total for 2023. They also referenced a ten-place drop in Nigeria’s ranking on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, placing the country at 122nd globally.
“Stories published online have been deemed ‘offensive’ or ‘annoying’ even when they are factual, and journalists have been prosecuted under the Cybercrimes Act simply for republishing content,” they said.
They urged President Tinubu to direct the Attorney General to push for an urgent and comprehensive amendment of the Cybercrimes Act and repeal provisions that threaten constitutionally guaranteed rights. They also called for the immediate release of all those detained solely for exercising free speech, and for state governors and security agencies to cease intimidation and harassment of media professionals.
“We urge President Tinubu and his government to publicly demonstrate a commitment to media freedom, obey outstanding court judgments—including that of the ECOWAS Court—and review all repressive laws in line with Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations.”
The press conference drew participation from prominent media leaders and civil society advocates. Attendees included Eze Anaba, NGE President; Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren; Richard Akinnola; Martins Oloja, former Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian; Bukola Coker of Channels TV; and Steve Nwosu, Treasurer of the NGE.
Others present were Hamza Idris, Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust; Femi Adekoya, Editor, The Guardian; Mustapha Isa, Director of News, Silverbird TV; Ikechukwu Amaechi, Editor-in-Chief, The Niche; Onuoha Ukeh, Editor-in-Chief, The Sun; Juliet Bumah, Editor, News Telegraph; and Korede Ogunbunmi, GM, Radio One, FRCN.
Also in attendance were Niyi Ojemakinde, GM, Miliki FM; Joy Anigbogu, Editor, Daily Independent; Oluwatosin Odusola, Editor, Radio Lagos; James Oluyombo Tokode, Editor, The Nation; Ufuoma Egbamuno, Manager, Cool/Wazobia News; and Don Okere, Editor, Daily Independent.
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