Amnesty International has criticized Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, particularly Section 24, for its vague provisions that have been used to suppress dissent and infringe on freedom of expression. The act criminalizes online messages deemed “annoying,” “insulting,” or causing “needless anxiety,” leading to arrests of journalists and activists. These actions undermine constitutional guarantees of free speech and democratic principles in Nigeria.
Civil society organizations have called for further amendments to the act to explicitly safeguard rights and prevent misuse, emphasizing the need for judicial oversight in enforcing the law. They advocate for a balance between addressing cybercrime and protecting freedom of expression in Nigeria’s digital space.
