NBA president warns against misuse of cybercrimes act to silence free speech

By Lawrence Agbo

The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe, SAN, has expressed deep concern over the alleged misuse of the Cybercrimes Act to silence free speech in Nigeria.

Osigwe explained that the trend is a conscious effort to suppress speech in the name of fighting defamation and cybercrime.

Speaking on Arise television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday, Osigwe criticised what he termed the weaponisation of the law against critics, journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who exercise their right to voice dissent both online and offline.

“The Cybercrimes Act was designed to protect Nigerians from online fraud, cyber harassment, and criminal activities, not to intimidate citizens or suppress legitimate criticism.

“Using it to target dissenting voices is a misuse of the law and undermines democratic principles,” Osigwe said.

The NBA president warned that such actions might undermine public confidence and freedom of expression in the country and urged the government to make sure that laws meant to protect citizens are not used to punish them.

Osigwe’s remarks come amid rising concerns from civil society groups and media organisations over a wave of arrests and prosecutions under the cybercrimes act, which many critics argue are being used unfairly against individuals perceived as critical of the government.

The NBA president concluded by urging both the government and law enforcement agencies to respect fundamental rights while enforcing cybercrime regulations, emphasising that the fight against cybercrime should not come at the expense of civil liberties.