The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, have condemned President Tinubu’s administration for allegedly weaponizing the Cybercrimes Act to silence journalists, critics, and citizens.
This was revealed during a press conference held Saturday in Lagos to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day.
The organizations denounced what they described as the frequent misuse of the Cybercrime Act to arrest and imprison individuals for peacefully expressing their opinions online.
They stated that the amended Cybercrime Act, particularly the controversial Section 24 on so-called cyberstalking, has become the regime’s preferred tool for silencing dissent, censoring the media, and intimidating anyone courageous enough to question those in power.
They described the law as unclear, arbitrary and highly susceptible to misuse, cautioning that it has fostered a climate of fear that stifles freedom of expression in Nigeria.
“We, therefore, call on President Bola Tinubu and his government to review the Cybercrime Act and other repressive laws for potential restrictions on free speech and press, and amend them in line with constitutional and international human rights standards and to uphold the human rights of every Nigerian and media freedom.”;
They also called on him to instruct the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and other relevant agencies to cease using the law to arrest and detain journalists, bloggers, and activists.
They urged the Attorney General to advocate for swift legislative reforms to align these laws with Nigeria’s constitutional and international commitments. Additionally, they called on the National Assembly to amend all legislation that hinders free speech and media freedom.
The groups also held state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory accountable, urging them to end arbitrary media shutdowns and ensure that all charges against media professionals are promptly dropped.
They called on the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable and urged global organizations to demand the unconditional release of all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights.
