The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken a bold step in the fight for freedom of expression by filing a suit against the Tinubu administration and Nigeria’s 36 state governors at the ECOWAS Court of Justice. In an announcement on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, SERAP disclosed that it is seeking to halt the use of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 to criminalize legitimate expression and penalize Nigerian citizens, including social media users.
The legal action, filed under suit number ECW/CCJ/APP/03/2025 at the ECOWAS Court in Abuja last week, underscores growing concerns about the misuse of legislation designed to regulate cyberspace.
Rather than fostering a safer digital environment, SERAP has accused Nigerian authorities of weaponizing the amended Cybercrimes Act to suppress fundamental rights. The organization alleges that the government has turned the law into a tool for silencing dissent, undermining press freedom, and stifling the voices of millions of Nigerians who rely on social media as a platform for expression and accountability.
SERAP’s suit challenges what it describes as a disturbing trend of authoritarian tactics, where laws meant to protect citizens are instead deployed to intimidate and punish them. “This is a clear violation of Nigerians’ rights to freedom of expression and media freedom,” SERAP stated.
The ECOWAS Court of Justice, known for its mandate to adjudicate cases involving human rights violations in West Africa, now has an opportunity to address this contentious issue. SERAP’s legal intervention seeks not only to protect Nigerians from the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act but also to set a precedent against the criminalization of legitimate online expression across the region.
This case comes at a time when social media platforms have become critical spaces for civic engagement, public discourse, and holding leaders accountable. However, the alleged misuse of cybercrime laws threatens to erode these freedoms, leaving Nigerians vulnerable to censorship and repression.
The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s democratic landscape and the broader West African region. If the ECOWAS Court rules in favor of SERAP, it could signal a victory for free speech advocates and serve as a deterrent against the misuse of similar legislation in other member states.
On the other hand, failure to address these concerns could embolden authorities to continue leveraging laws to target critics and restrict civic space, further eroding public trust in governance.
SERAP has built a reputation for its unwavering commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and human rights in Nigeria. This latest lawsuit is consistent with the organization’s efforts to hold leaders accountable and protect citizens from abuses of power.
As Nigerians await the ECOWAS Court’s decision, the spotlight remains on the Tinubu administration and state governors. Will they embrace the opportunity to revise their approach to cyberspace governance and uphold the rights of their citizens, or will they continue to tighten the grip on freedom of expression?
The stakes are high, and the world is watching.
PIONEER NEWS 