Afam Osigwe, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has publicly expressed alarm over the apparent misuse of the Cybercrimes Act, arguing that it is being leveraged to suppress free speech in Nigeria. During an interview, he described this misuse as a deliberate attempt to silence dissent under the guise of fighting cybercrime and defamation. Osigwe emphasized that individuals, including journalists and activists, are facing charges related to cybercrime and defamation, often resulting in detention despite the typically bailable nature of such offenses.

Osigwe's statements highlight a growing trend in Nigeria where legal frameworks intended to combat cybercrime are instead being weaponized against those who dare to voice critical opinions. He pointed out that the judiciary, including judges and magistrates, appears to be complicit in this troubling trend, lending an air of legitimacy to the suppression of free speech. This raises serious concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the protection of constitutional rights in Nigeria, particularly as citizens increasingly find themselves facing severe repercussions for their online and offline expressions.

The implications of such actions extend beyond individual cases; they foster a culture of fear and self-censorship among ordinary citizens, journalists, and critics of the government. This chilling effect on free speech threatens the foundational principles of democracy in Nigeria, intensifying calls for reforms to ensure that laws meant to protect citizens are not turned against them. As such, the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Cybercrimes Act and its impact on free speech is crucial for the preservation of democratic discourse in the country.