SERAP AND NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS CALL FOR REVIEW OF CYBERCRIME ACT.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the Federal Government to review the Cybercrime Act, citing concerns that it restricts free speech and press freedom. 

The call followed reports of increasing arrests of bloggers and press attacks.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Lagos, the NGE’s General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, and SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged the government to amend the law to align with constitutional and international human rights standards.

The groups also called on state governors and security agencies to respect the rights of journalists and activists, drop charges against detained media workers, and cease arbitrary closures of media outlets. 

Highlighting the importance of upholding media freedom and scrutinizing government activities, they urged the National Assembly to review and amend the Cybercrimes Act and other restrictive laws.

According to the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, there were 110 verified press attacks in 2024, thereby surpassing the total for 2023.

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