SERAP, Nigerian Editors Demand End to Misuse of Cybercrimes Act, Call for Release of Detained Critics
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have jointly called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to end the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act, particularly its application against journalists, activists, and social media users peacefully expressing their views.
In a joint statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare and NGE General Secretary Iyobosa Uwugiaren on Sunday, May 4, the organisations condemned the “draconian” application of the Cybercrimes Act, which they said has led to arbitrary arrests and detentions.
“The use of the Cybercrimes Act to lock up people peacefully expressing their views sends a chilling message to Nigerians that rights won’t get priority under the Tinubu administration,” the statement read.
They warned that continued use of laws that do not align with constitutional protections and international human rights standards threatens Nigeria’s democracy and rule of law.
The groups specifically criticised Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act amended in 2024 which has been frequently invoked to charge individuals with “cyberstalking” over online posts. They noted that this provision is being used to stifle dissent and criminalise free expression.
“We are also concerned about the persistence of threats to journalists’ safety and the chilling effect of SLAPPs (strategic lawsuits against public participation) and harassment by security agencies and politicians,” they stated.
Citing the March 2022 ruling by the ECOWAS Court, which found Section 24 of the Act in violation of Article 9 of the African Charter and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the organisations said the 2024 amendment failed to address the core issues identified by the court.
“Despite the amendment, section 24 remains vaguely worded and susceptible to misuse,” they added.
They also condemned the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) for allegedly using broadcasting codes to intimidate and harass media professionals under the guise of regulation.
Both SERAP and the NGE demanded the release of all individuals detained under the Act and called on President Tinubu to direct the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and state governors to uphold citizens’ rights.
Furthermore, they urged the Attorney General of the Federation to push for immediate reforms to ensure Nigerian laws conform with the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
“The right to freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, even those that may shock, offend, or disturb regardless of the truth or falsehood of the content,” the statement concluded.