In a bold move aimed at defending freedom of expression in Nigeria, two major human rights groups — Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Amnesty International Nigeria — have jointly called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately withdraw the criminal charges filed against activist Omoyele Sowore, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
The groups made their appeal in a letter dated September 20, 2025, addressed to President Tinubu. The letter urged him to direct the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to drop the charges and end what they described as the “misuse of judicial processes to intimidate critics and journalists.”
Background to the Charges
The Federal Government had, on September 16, 2025, filed multiple charges against Sowore and the social media companies at the Federal High Court, Abuja. The charges, which stem from Sowore’s refusal to delete posts critical of President Tinubu, include alleged violations of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 and criminal defamation under the Criminal Code Act.
Sowore, a well-known journalist, activist, and former presidential candidate, is accused of “causing public fear and disturbance” through his online publications and statements. In addition to the charges against him, the government also listed X and Facebook as co-defendants, citing their role as platforms through which the alleged “defamatory” and “false” information was spread.
The case has triggered widespread outrage from civil society groups, journalists, and legal experts, who argue that the charges are politically motivated and intended to silence dissenting voices.
SERAP and Amnesty’s Demands
In their joint letter, SERAP and Amnesty International Nigeria urged President Tinubu to take immediate action to reverse the legal proceedings. Their key demands include:
- Immediate withdrawal of all charges against Sowore, X, and Facebook.
- A directive to security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), to stop harassing critics and journalists through legal intimidation.
- The drafting and passage of a strong anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) law. Such a law would protect individuals and organizations from being dragged into court for exercising their right to free expression.
According to the groups, the charges filed against Sowore and the social media platforms are classic SLAPP suits — legal actions designed not to win in court, but to intimidate, harass, and silence public criticism.
Why This Matters
Freedom of expression is a constitutional right in Nigeria, guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as several international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory — including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
SERAP and Amnesty argue that the charges undermine these rights and represent a dangerous trend where laws like the Cybercrimes Act are used to criminalize dissent. They warned that this approach has a “chilling effect” on the media, activists, and ordinary citizens who may fear government backlash for expressing their opinions online.
The groups also highlighted that parts of the Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act 2024 are currently being challenged at the ECOWAS Court of Justice, particularly sections seen as vague or prone to abuse.
Seven-Day Ultimatum
SERAP and Amnesty gave the Tinubu administration seven days to withdraw the charges. They stated that failure to act would compel them to take further legal action, including filing a petition at the ECOWAS Court to challenge the government’s actions.
This ultimatum signals a possible legal showdown between the Nigerian government and human rights advocates at the regional level, which could have broader implications for internet freedom and civic space in West Africa.
Reactions
The case has attracted attention from both local and international observers. Journalists, civil society groups, and legal experts have voiced concern that the government is sliding back into repressive tactics reminiscent of previous military regimes.
Many Nigerians took to social media to express their support for Sowore and criticize the administration. Hashtags like #FreeSpeech and #StopSLAPPinNigeria trended for hours after the charges were announced.
Legal experts have also questioned the constitutionality of charging social media platforms like X and Facebook, pointing out that they are not the original publishers of the content in question. Some lawyers described the move as “a dangerous precedent that could lead to the mass censorship of online platforms in Nigeria.”
What Happens Next
The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to begin hearings on the case in the coming weeks. Whether President Tinubu will heed the calls from SERAP and Amnesty remains to be seen.
Observers note that the administration’s response will send a strong signal about Tinubu’s commitment to democratic values, free speech, and the rule of law.
If the charges are withdrawn, it would be seen as a positive step towards protecting civic space. However, if the government proceeds with the prosecution, it could deepen Nigeria’s human rights concerns and attract further scrutiny from the international community.
Conclusion
The call by SERAP and Amnesty for Tinubu to withdraw charges against Sowore, X, and Facebook represents a critical moment for Nigeria’s democracy. At the heart of the issue is whether the government will choose a path that respects constitutional freedoms or continue on a trajectory that threatens free expression.
The coming days will reveal whether President Tinubu’s administration is willing to uphold Nigeria’s democratic ideals or silence its critics through the courts.
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