NGE, SERAP Decry Use of Cybercrimes Act Against Journalists

By Barth Ikiebe

The Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project have called on the Federal government to immediately end the use of Cybercrimes Act to target journalists, activists, critics, and other Nigerians peacefully expressing their views online.

They also appealed for the release of those detained under the law across the country.

In a joint statement signed by SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare and General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, on Sunday, the groups said:

“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.”

They argued that: “Using laws that do not conform with constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards like the Cybercrimes Act erodes democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.”

The groups added that Nigerian authorities at all levels must demonstrate tolerance for peaceful dissent and press freedom if citizens are to hold them accountable on their constitutional oaths, commitments and promises.

The statement read in part: “We are concerned that Nigerian authorities have continued to use the Cybercrime Act to normalise the repression of the rights of journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, opposition politicians, artists, and other Nigerians.”

They called for an end to the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act and the National Broadcasting Commission’s regulations disguised as broadcasting codes which have been used to intimidate and harass media professionals.

“Impunity for those who threaten, intimidate, and harass journalists, bloggers, and activists exacerbates the hostile environment for these defenders of constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights in Nigeria.”

The groups pointed out that press suppression has taken several forms in recent times, including extrajudicial actions, unlawful detentions, malicious prosecutions and the misuse of laws and enforcement agencies.

According to the statement, since the 2024 amendment of the Cybercrime Act, authorities have persistently used section 24 on “cyberstalking” to arbitrarily arrest, detain, and prosecute social media users, activists, and journalists.

They also noted the increasing reliance on criminal defamation and repressive laws to crush dissent, with frivolous lawsuits filed against journalists and rights advocates.

“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 emphasised that journalists, bloggers, and rights defenders play a critical role in exposing abuses.

“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 noted that the amended Cybercrimes Act 2024, especially section 24, remains inconsistent with section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

They recalled the ECOWAS Court’s March 2022 judgment which declared section 24 of the Cybercrime Act arbitrary and repressive, in violation of Article 9 of the African Charter and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The court ordered Nigeria to amend the law accordingly.

“The term ‘cyberstalking’ under section 58 is defined so broadly that it could be misused against legitimate freedom of expression.”

They warned that stories published online are now criminalised as
“offensive”, “annoying”, or “obstructive”, even when they are factual.

Furthermore, content previously published legally in traditional media is being targeted once republished online.

“Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act 2024 is a harshly punitive approach to addressing stalking and harassment and lacks safeguards against misuse, especially in the context of journalism and peaceful expression.”

The groups urged President Tinubu to publicly instruct state Governors, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services to respect the rights of all citizens.

They also called on the Attorney General to push for immediate reforms and ensure that laws align with the Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights commitments.

“We urge the National Assembly to promptly review and revise the Cybercrimes Act and similar restrictive laws in line with Nigeria’s obligations on human rights and media freedom,” the statement concluded.

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