CD Urges Repeal of Cybercrime Law, Calls for Release of Detained Ondo Youths
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to repeal or amend sections of Nigeria’s cybercrime law, describing them as a threat to citizens’ right to freedom of expression.
Speaking through its Deputy National President, Pastor Samuel Olaseinde, the group argued that certain provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, particularly those related to cyberbullying, mirror the oppressive tactics of Nigeria’s military era and should have no place in a democracy.
In a statement issued in Akure on Thursday, CD condemned the recent arrest and detention of three youths from the Akoko area of Ondo State, who were reportedly denied bail on charges of cyberbullying—a non-capital offence.
“Cyberbullying is not among the offences considered non-bailable under Nigerian law,” Olaseinde said. “The use of this law to suppress dissent reminds us of Decree No. 2 of 1984, which allowed indefinite detention without trial.”
He added that the law is being weaponized to silence activists and dissenting voices, violating constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression and the press. “Such actions threaten the very foundation of our democracy,” he said, citing Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution, which protects fundamental human rights.
Olaseinde also appealed to Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to intervene in the situation involving the detained youths and resolve the growing tension between Akoko youth and a member of his cabinet.
“In just 15 days, youths have staged three protests, blocking major roads and disrupting movement in the state capital,” he noted. “If the boys cannot be released outrightly, the government should at least ensure their immediate bail.”
The CD emphasized that Ondo has long been a peaceful state and urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to maintain calm and uphold democratic values.
