The Cybercrime Act, originally designed to tackle online fraud, identity theft, and digital threats, has become one of Nigeria’s most controversial laws. While its intention was to protect citizens from cyber threats critics argue that it has increasingly been used as a tool for censorship, targeting journalists, and silencing opposition voices.
As digital rights continue to be debated, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, sheds light on the ongoing concerns surrounding the Act and its broader implications for Nigerians’ online freedom.
Speaking on Newscentral’s Jasiri on Monday, Sesan said that while the Cybercrime Act was introduced with the promise of securing Nigeria’s digital space, over time, it has sparked debates about its misuse of free speech.
“While it’s meant to protect us, it’s also being used to stifle free speech, target journalists, and silence dissenting voices.”
According to him, the challenge now is to strike a balance between maintaining cybersecurity and upholding the right to free expression, raising a crucial question: “Is the Cybercrime Act truly safeguarding our digital space, or has it become a tool for censorship?”
Beyond censorship concerns, Sesan also highlights ongoing legal battles regarding Nigeria’s National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)and the risks of data breaches. He explained how Paradigm Initiative has been at the forefront of investigating potential security lapses in the country’s National Identity Number (NIN) system.
“Initially when we went to court, we got a new date later this month, and we have read from their lawyers, so we now know what sort of arguments they want to make. It’s very much welcome because initially, it was all silence, as if they were ignoring it.”
“I always knew from the very beginning that NIMC would want to say, ‘Oh, you are a spy, but we’re going to punish you,’ which is what many institutions try to do when they are called to question.”
With growing concerns over the abuse of cybersecurity laws, digital rights advocates continue to call for reforms that ensure cybersecurity efforts do not infringe on civil liberties. As Nigeria navigates the complexities of **online security, free speech, and data privacy, the conversation around the Cybercrime Act and NIMC’s transparency is far from over.
