SERAP, NGE Urge Federal Government to Stop Weaponizing Cybercrime Act Against Journalists
Organizations Demand Release of Detained Activists and Critics
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have jointly called on the Federal Government to cease using the Cybercrime Act 2024 to target journalists, activists, and critics who peacefully express their opinions online.
In a press conference held in Lagos to mark World Press Freedom Day, the organizations demanded the immediate release of individuals arrested under the controversial law.
Growing Concerns Over Repression of Free Speech
The groups expressed deep concern over the government’s persistent use of the Cybercrime Act to suppress dissent, stating:
“Nigerian authorities have continued to use the Cybercrime Act to normalize repression of the rights of journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, opposition politicians, artists and other Nigerians.”
They highlighted various forms of press suppression, including:
- Extrajudicial actions
- Unlawful detentions
- Malicious prosecutions
- Misuse of legislation and law enforcement
Vague Provisions Leading to Abuse
The organizations criticized Section 24 of the amended Act, which deals with “cyberstalking,” as being:
“Vaguely worded, arbitrary and easily lending itself to subjective interpretation and repressive use by Nigerian authorities.”
They noted that the Act’s broad definitions have led to:
- Arbitrary arrests of social media users
- Unfair prosecutions of activists
- Chilling effect on freedom of expression
International Obligations and Court Rulings
The groups reminded the government of its obligations under:
- Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution
- African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
They referenced a 2022 ECOWAS Court ruling that declared Section 24 of the original Cybercrime Act as:
“Arbitrary, vague and repressive, in contravention of international human rights standards.”
Alarming Statistics on Press Freedom
The organizations cited concerning data:
- Nigeria dropped 10 spots to 122nd in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index (Reporters Without Borders)
- 110 verified press attacks in 2024 (Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development)
- Declining internet freedom (Freedom House Reports)
Call to Action
SERAP and NGE made several recommendations:
To the Federal Government:
- Review and amend the Cybercrime Act to align with constitutional and international standards
- Publicly instruct security agencies to respect human rights
- Obey outstanding court judgments, including the ECOWAS ruling
To State Governors:
- Drop charges against journalists and bloggers
- Cease arbitrary closures of media houses
To the International Community:
- Hold Nigerian authorities accountable for human rights violations
- Advocate for unconditional release of detained activists
The organizations emphasized that:
“The right to freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, including those that may shock, offend or disturb, and irrespective of the truth or falsehood of the content.”
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