The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have called for an immediate suspension of the Cybercrimes Act, citing a surge in attacks on press freedom and civil liberties across the country.
During a joint press briefing in Lagos, the two organisations accused Nigerian authorities of exploiting the Cybercrimes Act, particularly Section 24, to suppress dissent, criminalise journalism, and silence critics. They allege that despite a 2024 amendment, the law continues to serve as a tool for government repression.
Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, described the situation as an “escalating crackdown” on freedom of expression. He argued that Section 24 remains vague and open to abuse, enabling authorities to arrest and prosecute citizens—including journalists and social media users—for online expressions, even in private groups like WhatsApp alumni chats.
“The continued use of Section 24 to target Nigerians exercising their constitutional rights is not only repressive—it’s absurd and dangerous,” Oluwadare stated. He further highlighted concerns over unlawful surveillance, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial actions as part of a growing pattern of intimidation.
Oluwadare also criticised the 2024 amendment for failing to comply with a 2022 ECOWAS Court ruling, which had deemed the original version of Section 24 as arbitrary and inconsistent with international human rights obligations.
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, General Secretary of NGE, called on President Bola Tinubu to halt enforcement of the law until its contentious sections are repealed or revised. He emphasized that journalists and media professionals must be allowed to operate without fear.
“The government must respect the rule of law and uphold press freedom,” Uwugiaren said. He revealed that NGE has formed a committee of senior editors to develop legislative proposals aimed at protecting journalistic independence.
The call for reform comes amid rising violence against journalists. According to the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), at least 110 verified attacks have occurred in 2024 alone—surpassing previous years’ figures.
Martin Onoja, former MD of The Guardian, also spoke at the event, lamenting the threats facing investigative journalism in Nigeria. He criticised the government for prioritising infrastructure spending and foreign medical trips over critical sectors like media and education.
“In today’s Nigeria, telling the truth has become dangerous,” Onoja said. “We must protect the institutions that sustain democracy.”
