The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on President Bola Tinubu to put an immediate stop to the use of the controversial Cybercrimes Act to silence journalists, activists, critics, and citizens who peacefully express their views online. They also demanded the unconditional release of all individuals currently detained under the provisions of the Act across the country.
The appeal was made during a press conference titled “Unchecked Injustice: How Authorities Are Weaponizing the Cybercrimes Act to Stifle Peaceful Dissent and Media Freedom in Nigeria”, held at the Radisson Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day. The event was attended by key media professionals, civil society actors, and stakeholders in journalism and human rights.
According to the groups, the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act, particularly its Section 24—commonly invoked for allegations of “cyberstalking”—has become a tool for arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and harassment of journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and political critics. They argued that such actions send a disturbing signal that fundamental human rights may not be a priority under the Tinubu administration.
SERAP and NGE emphasized that the 2024 amendment to the Cybercrime Act failed to address long-standing concerns regarding its vague and overbroad provisions, which have repeatedly been used to prosecute and detain citizens for online speech. Section 24, they noted, continues to be vaguely worded and subject to abuse due to its elastic definitions and punitive consequences for even factual or critical content deemed “annoying” or “offensive.”
They further highlighted that, despite a 2022 ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice declaring Section 24 as arbitrary, repressive, and inconsistent with Nigeria’s international obligations under the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Nigerian government has yet to bring the Act into conformity with the judgment.
The groups warned that these legal tools, including regulations disguised as broadcasting codes by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), are being systematically used to erode democracy and suppress dissent, thereby undermining accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria. They expressed concern over the normalization of press suppression through extrajudicial actions, malicious prosecutions, and unlawful detentions.
Press freedom and online expression in Nigeria, they stated, have seen significant decline, referencing data from the 2025 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, which shows Nigeria falling 10 places to rank 122nd globally. According to the 2023 and 2024 Freedom House Reports, arbitrary arrests and detention of bloggers sharply increased following the amendment of the Cybercrime Act.
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) also recorded 110 verified press attacks in 2024—surpassing those recorded in all of 2023—highlighting the increasing hostility toward journalists and media workers.
Calling for systemic reform, SERAP and NGE urged President Tinubu and the Federal Government to review and amend the Cybercrimes Act and other repressive laws to align them with the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards. They also called on the Attorney General to initiate immediate legal reforms and to ensure full implementation of local and international court rulings.
Furthermore, the groups urged the 36 state governors and the FCT minister to promote press freedom, end arbitrary arrests of media professionals, respect court judgments, and uphold the rule of law. They also called on the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for violations of human rights and to press for the release of individuals detained for exercising their right to free expression.
Prominent figures who attended the event included Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors; Richard Akinnola; Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren; Martins Oloja, former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian; and Ms. Bukola Coker of Channels TV. Editors from major Nigerian newspapers and broadcasters such as Daily Trust, The Guardian, The Sun, Daily Independent, Radio Lagos, and Cool/Wazobia News were also present.
Their collective message underscored the critical role journalists, bloggers, and activists play in defending democratic values and human rights, and the urgent need to protect these individuals from unlawful repression.
