In a bold and defiant stance against what it describes as an oppressive law weaponized to stifle dissent, the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement has demanded the immediate and unconditional repeal of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act of 2024. The movement condemned the law as a state-sponsored tool of digital suppression, accusing the Bola Tinubu-led administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of systematically using it to silence journalists, activists, and social media users critical of the government.
The TIB made its demands public during a global press conference held on Thursday at Dover Hall, Ikeja, Lagos State, where it outlined plans for nationwide protests and mass demonstrations to force the repeal of the controversial law.
Speaking at the event, TIB National Coordinator, Comrade Sanyaolu Juwon, condemned the Cybercrime Act, describing it as a “weapon of mass suppression” rather than a legitimate effort to combat cybercrime.
> “Looking at the chain of events, the Cybercrime Act has not been about tackling cybercrime. It is a digital shackling, designed to silence Nigerians who dare to challenge the corrupt and illegitimate powers that be. It has become the preferred weapon to criminalize opposition voices, journalists, and even young Nigerians freely expressing their opinions on platforms like TikTok and Twitter.”
The movement cited numerous cases of political persecution and targeted attacks on activists and journalists, including Omoyele Sowore, Dele Farotimi, Olamide Thomas, Olumide Ogunsanwo, and Fisayo Soyombo, among others. According to the TIB, these individuals have faced intimidation, harassment, and legal threats under the guise of enforcing cybercrime laws.
The TIB emphasized that the Cybercrime Act poses a grave danger to democracy, arguing that it has been systematically deployed to crush dissent rather than to protect citizens from genuine cyber threats.
> “This regime, terrified by the truth, seeks to criminalize dissent by labeling every critical voice as a cybercriminal. It is turning Nigeria into a surveillance state where digital spaces are no longer free for discourse but have become arenas of government oppression.”
The group further alleged that the law grants excessive powers to the government, enabling it to monitor, control, and manipulate Nigeria’s digital space in ways that violate constitutional rights.
In response to what it calls a “tyrannical crackdown on free speech”, the TIB has issued the following demands:
Immediate and unconditional repeal of the Cybercrime Act of 2024 to safeguard the rights enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution.
An end to the harassment and persecution of activists, journalists, and ordinary Nigerians under the guise of enforcing cybercrime laws.
Resistance against any attempt to suppress digital spaces, ensuring that all Nigerians have the freedom to express their thoughts without fear of intimidation.
The movement has also announced a series of mass protests and demonstrations across the country, vowing to sustain the pressure until the Cybercrime Act is “consigned to the dustbin of history.”
> “We call on all Nigerians to resist this tyranny. We will not stand by while our voices are silenced. Accordingly, we will be mobilizing for a series of mass demonstrations to reclaim our digital and democratic freedoms.”
The TIB reiterated that its fight is not just about repealing a law—it is about defending democracy and ensuring that freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, not a privilege.
> “We will not rest until this oppressive Act is repealed. Our democracy must not be dictated by fear, intimidation, or digital repression. We stand for a Nigeria where every citizen can speak freely without fear of persecution.”
As tensions rise and protests loom, all eyes are now on the Nigerian government and how it will respond to growing calls for justice, transparency, and digital freedom.
PIONEER NEWS 