A public issues analyst, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has described the recent bill signed into law by President Bola Tinubu for enforcement as one that is deliberately promulgated by the federal authorities to silence opposition persons.
In his statement issued in Calabar yesterday evening, the lawyer said the Cybercrimes Act 2025 stiffens the inalienable right to freedom of information.
He said that the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 is a people-oriented law, and the federal government, as of 2011, was intentional about safeguarding the principles of democracy.
But according to him, provisions of the new Cybercrimes Act 2025 are merely reinforced to tactically punish public opinions without restriction.
Ahiakwo explained that the law introduces stricter regulations for online activities with key provisions restraining content creators and commenters on all social media platforms.
“The 2025 Act heightens unauthorized access to devices, tampering with data, disclosure of critical information, recording of private conversations, spreading of fake news, online harassment and abuse, inciting ethnic or religious hatred are all criminalized to attract various prescribed jail terms.”
Ahiakwo fears that the authorities may force technological companies to hand over user data without transparency safeguards, just to punish perceived enemies.
“The implementation of this law may not guarantee individual rights to freedom of information as the drafters of the law had in mind.”
Ahiakwo expressed worry that the new law conflicts with the Freedom of Information Act.
“Between the above-cited law and the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, which establishes a legal right for citizens to access information held by public institutions and certain private entities, lies the thrust of the matter.
“Can anyone who is allegedly held for violating the Cybercrimes Act, 2025, rely on the Freedom of Information Act, 2011?
“This remains an issue to be resolved by the Court of Law saddled with the jurisdiction to entertain such a case.
“The Freedom of Information Act, 2011 seeks to promote transparency and accountability by making public records and information more freely available and accessible.”
Nigerian govt out to silence opposition with cybercrime law — Lawyer
