The administration of President Bola Tinubu has intensified its crackdown on peaceful protesters, including those who took part in demonstrations on April 7, 2025, in Abuja and Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State.
Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, has accused the Nigerian government of treating peaceful protests as a threat rather than recognizing them as a fundamental democratic right.
Speaking during a televised interview on AIT’s Focus Nigeria, Sanusi condemned the government’s ongoing efforts to suppress dissent. He stated that laws such as the Cybercrimes Act are increasingly being used as tools for intimidation, rather than their intended purpose of safeguarding the public.
“If you organize a march in support of the government, you will receive protection and even encouragement. But if you criticize government policies, you’re demonized and silenced. This is not about maintaining peace—it’s about suppressing opposition,” Sanusi argued.
He criticized the violent treatment of peaceful protesters, including elderly individuals, by security forces, stating that such actions couldn’t have occurred without high-level approval. “These actions are systemic. Ironically, some of those in power today were once active in protests. We marched with them. But now, they suppress the very rights they once exercised,” he said.
Sanusi also critiqued the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act, arguing that while the law was initially created to protect the country’s cyberspace and prevent cybercrime, its provisions—especially Section 24—have been weaponized to stifle free speech and silence critics.
“The law was designed to combat issues like hacking, with penalties such as fines or imprisonment, which are necessary. But Section 24 has been hijacked to suppress journalists, activists, and political opponents,” Sanusi stated.
He pointed out that the individuals most responsible for manipulating the law are those in power who fear accountability. “If you write something critical of an influential person, they can report you, and you could be arrested under the guise of committing a cybercrime. Many journalists have already been detained under this law,” he added.
When asked if he was advocating for the repeal of the Cybercrimes Act, Sanusi confirmed, especially the removal of sections that restrict free expression. “Yes, especially Section 24. Even after the 2024 amendment, the most problematic parts remain. These provisions are still being used to harass human rights defenders. For example, Omoyele Sowore is still on trial under this law simply for criticizing the government. There’s nothing criminal about demanding accountability,” Sanusi said.
He emphasized that some aspects of the law, such as those targeting cyberterrorism or the protection of national infrastructure, are valid. However, he criticized the inclusion of vague terms like “injuring someone’s esteem” or “undermining national security.” “Who defines these terms? How can ‘esteem’ be measured? Such ambiguities invite abuse,” he said.
Sanusi also pointed out that Nigeria already has other laws that can be used to stifle dissent, including the Criminal Code, Penal Code, and Official Secrets Act. The Cybercrimes Act, he argued, simply provides another tool for repression, particularly against online expression.
“If the purpose of the law is truly cybersecurity, why do we see personal data like National Identification Numbers (NINs) being sold online for ₦500? Where was the law then? We didn’t see any serious investigations or consequences,” he said. He lamented that the government focuses more on prosecuting online criticism while ignoring real cyber threats like data breaches.
Sanusi condemned the treatment of protesters and journalists, citing the example of the Port Harcourt protest. “In the U.S., over 100 cities held protests without any casualties. But in Port Harcourt, protesters were attacked, and journalists were assaulted. Journalists are there to inform the public—attacking them is unacceptable,” he said.
When asked why the authorities react so harshly to protests, he reiterated, “Because they see protests as a threat. Protesters are not enemies of the state. Police should facilitate peaceful assembly, not oppose it.”
In response to the question of whether free speech should be firmly established after decades of democracy, Sanusi answered, “One would expect so. But many of our leaders do not practice democratic values. Nigerians endure poverty, insecurity, and lack of basic services—and yet, they’re denied the right to express their pain or demand change. That’s unjust.”
He called for a shift in mindset within the government and security agencies. “If citizens are only useful for casting votes every four years but aren’t allowed to hold leaders accountable in between, then we’re not practicing real democracy. Protests are not chaos—they are democratic tools. Without them, how will the government know it’s failing?”
Saharareporters
