A human rights and accountability organisation Global Rights has expressed grave concern over what it describes as the “persistent and unlawful weaponisation” of Nigeria’s Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 against journalists and civil society actors.
In an open letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and signed by its Executive Director, Abiodun Baiyewu, the group accused the Nigerian Police Force of routinely misusing the legislation—particularly Section 24—to harass journalists, stifle dissent, and curtail civic space.
While acknowledging that the Cybercrime Act was originally enacted to tackle online fraud and malicious digital activity, Global Rights contends it has instead been “increasingly misapplied to criminalise defamation and legitimate criticism of public officials.”
“Using police powers to criminalise defamation under the guise of the Cybercrime Act is undemocratic and risks ushering in mass censorship and repression,” Baiyewu stated.
The organisation cited recent high-profile incidents, including the 2024 arrest of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu following reports alleging corruption within the Nigerian Presidency. It also referenced the detention of Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in Kebbi State, after he published a piece exposing neglect at Kangiwa General Hospital.
According to figures from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), at least 54 verified incidents of press freedom violations occurred between January and 9 August 2025—most involving security agencies, with the police singled out as primary offenders.
Although amendments to the Cybercrime Act in 2024 sought to narrow the scope of Section 24, Global Rights argues that law enforcement authorities continue to apply outdated and overly broad interpretations of the provision. The group also referenced a 2022 ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice in SERAP v. Nigeria, which declared Section 24 incompatible with international human rights standards.
Citing Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020—which affirms the police’s duty to protect citizens’ fundamental rights—the group issued the following recommendations to the IGP:
Issue directives to deprioritise arrests and detentions under Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act.
Collaborate with the Ministry of Justice, civil society, and relevant stakeholders to develop clear implementation guidelines.
Publicly reaffirm the Police Force’s commitment to press freedom, freedom of expression, and the protection of civic space.
“The incessant harassment and detention of journalists and civic actors by state agents, particularly the police, is a dangerous and anti-democratic trend that must be reversed,” the group warned.
Global Rights emphasised that safeguarding press freedom and the civic space is vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and promoting greater government accountability.
