How censorship is limiting digital development in Nigeria

November 27, 2025

Nigerian activist and nurse Abiodun Olamide Thomas was arrested following a Facebook Live video criticizing police brutality and government officials during the 2024 EndSARS memorial. After evading surveillance and attempted entrapment, she was eventually detained through the arrest of her uncle, then held for weeks across multiple facilities before being granted bail in January. Her prosecution under Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act exemplifies a broader pattern of authorities weaponizing digital laws to silence critics, despite a 2024 amendment meant to address the law's vagueness after an ECOWAS court ruling.

Who is affected

Abiodun Olamide Thomas (nurse and activist)
Thomas's Facebook friend (arrested in November 2024)
Thomas's uncle (lured and forced to reveal her location)
The aged mother of Thomas's Facebook friend (detained for hours)
Chioma Okoli (small business owner arrested for product review)
At least 29 media practitioners persecuted under the Cybercrimes Act since 2015
At least 9 journalists prosecuted post-amendment, including Fejiro Oliver and Sodeeq Atanda
At least three reporters from the Foundation for Investigative Reporting (FIJ)
Over 107 million Nigerian internet users
Abayomi Fasina (FUOYE Vice Chancellor who filed petition against journalist)

What action is being taken

Thomas is currently out on bail after being granted release in January
Police are conducting ongoing surveillance and intimidation tactics against activists and journalists
Law enforcement agencies are prosecuting individuals under the Cybercrimes Act
The Foundation for Investigative Reporting is facing consistent police harassment
Authorities are using the amended Cybercrimes Act to suppress online speech despite its revised language

Why it matters

This case illustrates how Nigerian authorities are systematically suppressing freedom of expression and press freedom through misuse of cybercrime legislation. Despite legal amendments intended to clarify and narrow the scope of prosecutable online speech following an ECOWAS court ruling, law enforcement continues to weaponize these laws against critics, activists, and journalists. The gap between legal reform and actual enforcement demonstrates that procedural intimidation—through prolonged detention, proxy arrests of family members, and forced source revelation—serves as a chilling effect on digital discourse. With Nigeria's internet freedom declining and over 107 million users potentially vulnerable to similar prosecutions, this threatens democratic participation and accountability in Africa's most populous nation.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices