Civil Society Decry Abuse Of Cybercrime Laws, Stifling Of Civic Space
Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has drawn the attention of Police hierarchy to alleged abuse and misuse of its personnel by politicians and wealthy individuals to settle personal scores.
The Civil Society Organisations in a Statement issued on Friday condemned the report of arrest of activist, Mr Kindness Jonah by officers attached to SARS Abattoir Unit Abuja on Feb. 23.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) and Coordinator of the coalition said the officers led by CSP Ejike Emmanuel failed to report to the Enugu State CID or any local police formation in violation of standard procedure for interstate police operations.
“This alarming incident raises serious questions about the abuse of office, disregard for due process, and blatant human rights violations.
“It has come to our attention that the member of the House of Representatives for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency from Ebonyi State, is implicated in using the Cybercrime Act as a tool of repression against Mr Jonah.
“This case is emblematic of a broader trend of the abuse and misuse of cybercrime laws, which have significant negative impacts on freedom of expression and civic space in Nigeria,” he said.
The CSOs said the misuse of cybercrime laws restricted freedom of expression, deterring individuals from critiquing the government for fears of arrest or harassment.
He said it would also silence critics and opposition figures, erode civic space and restrict the environment for civic engagement as well as erode trust in democratic institutions and detract from the integrity of public debate.
“Journalists and media outlets encounter significant barriers, limiting their ability to report critically on government actions and thus affecting public awareness.
“The misuse of cybercrime laws often leads to violations of key human rights, including expression, assembly, and association, allowing those abusing power to act with impunity,” it said.
The Activists there called on the Inspector General of Police to initiate an inquiry into the misuse of police resources by politicians to settle personal or political scores and examine the deviations from standard arrest procedures.
“The Police must recommit to the rule of law and compliance with due process in all actions to restore public trust and uphold human rights.
“We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate steps to address these issues and ensure accountability.
“Nigeria’s democratic integrity and the protection of human rights depend on the commitment to uphold justice and the rule of law,it said.
