The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, has warned that Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act is being misused to silence critics and suppress free speech.
Speaking on ARISE Television on Wednesday, Osigwe said authorities are using the law to charge, investigate and detain journalists, activists and citizens who express dissent online or offline.
He said some of the offences are normally bailable but alleged that courts are increasingly refusing bail without strong legal grounds.
Osigwe warned that this trend risks turning the judiciary into “an oppressive tool” in the hands of powerful individuals.
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He said public officials must be open to criticism in a democracy and should not use the law to shield themselves from accountability.
“If people are prevented from criticising leaders, democracy suffers,” he said.
The Cybercrimes Act was first passed in 2015 and amended in 2024 to address online fraud, cyberterrorism and related offences.
However, critics argue that some provisions, especially those on cyberstalking, are vague and are often used against journalists and activists who expose wrongdoing or share opinions.
The debate over the law continues as rights groups call for clearer safeguards to protect freedom of expression.
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