The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) has strongly condemned the Nigerian Police for allegedly misusing the Cybercrimes Act to silence critics of the government.
In its February 5, 2025, Legist Newsletter, PLAC called for the immediate withdrawal of all charges against journalist and activist Omoyele Sowore and others facing prosecution under the Act.
Misuse of Cybercrimes Act to Suppress Dissent
PLAC urged Nigerian security authorities, particularly the police, to cease using the Cybercrimes Act as a tool for repression.
The organization emphasized that the Act was initially designed to combat cyber threats but has been repeatedly deployed against journalists, activists, and other government critics.
In a newsletter titled “The Police, Sowore, and Abuse of the Cybercrime Act”, PLAC highlighted the case of Sowore, who was arrested and charged for referring to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” on social media.
According to PLAC, Sowore was arraigned on a 16-count charge under the Cybercrimes Act before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The organization described the case as “a clear misuse of legal provisions intended to combat genuine cyber threats.”
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Legal and Human Rights Implications
PLAC asserted that the arrest and prosecution of Sowore constitute a violation of fundamental human rights, as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution. It further stated that security agencies must respect the rule of law and avoid using state institutions to suppress dissent.
The organization also questioned the retroactive amendment of the Police Act in July 2024, which extended IGP Egbetokun’s tenure beyond his original retirement date. Critics argue that this amendment, backdated to June 2023, raises concerns about executive overreach and abuse of legislative powers.
Notable Cases of Cybercrimes Act Abuse
PLAC outlined a disturbing trend of Cybercrimes Act misuse, citing numerous cases where journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens have been targeted:
- Omoyele Sowore (January 2025) – Arrested and charged under the Cybercrimes Act for referring to the IGP as “illegal IGP.”
- Daniel Ojukwu (May 2024) – Detained by police after reporting on government procurement fraud.
- ICIR Journalists (May 2024) – Detained following investigative reports on corruption.
- Dele Farotimi (December 2024) – Arrested and charged over his book critiquing Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
- Agba Jalingo (August 2019, December 2022) – Arrested twice over reports exposing corruption.
- Chioma Okoli – Targeted for a social media post on a tomato paste product.
- Joe Ajaero (2024) – Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) president arrested after criticizing government policies.
- Segun Olatunji (March 2024) – Detained for two weeks without charge.
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Call for Legal Reforms and Accountability
PLAC has urged the Nigerian government to:
- Stop the abuse of the Cybercrimes Act and uphold free speech rights.
- Respect constitutional provisions on police appointments.
- Engage civil society in dialogue to promote democratic governance.
- Ensure the police act within the confines of the law, rather than serving as a tool for political suppression.
Conclusion
The growing misuse of the Cybercrimes Act in Nigeria has sparked widespread outrage. PLAC’s condemnation underscores the urgent need for reforms to prevent the suppression of free speech and the persecution of critics.
As calls for accountability grow, it remains to be seen whether Nigerian authorities will heed the demands for justice and the rule of law.
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