Hundreds of Nigerians took to the streets of Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday, demanding the immediate repeal of the controversial Cybercrime Act.
The protesters, mostly youths and members of a pro-democracy group, TakeItBack Movement, argued that the law has become a weapon in the hands of government authorities to silence dissent, stifle journalism, and criminalise free speech.
The protests, monitored live by SaharaReporters on TikTok, saw energetic crowds wielding placards and chanting solidarity songs in defiance of what they described as a “systematic erosion of constitutional rights.”
The demonstration in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, took place at the ever-busy Iwo Road, where young Nigerians gathered peacefully despite a heavy police presence.
“We should not allow anybody to take away our freedom of speech and freedom of expression,” a passionate protester declared.
“Because the moment they succeed, they take away our voices. They take away the right to ask questions. They take away the right to challenge injustice. This is why we urge all Nigerians to join this protest,” he added.
While officers of the Nigeria Police Force were stationed at protest sites ostensibly to maintain law and order, activists say their presence served as an intimidation tactic rather than a protective measure.
In Lagos, similar scenes unfolded. Protesters stormed major streets, carrying boldly written placards that made their stand against tyranny and censorship clear. One of the placards read: “Any law that forbids us from speaking truth against oppression in Nigeria is no longer a law but shackles of slavery.”
The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, originally introduced under the guise of curbing internet fraud, has been increasingly used in recent years to arrest, detain, and prosecute journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who are critical of government officials.
Ibadan hits the streets, demanding responsible leadership and the total repeal of the Cybercrime Act.#April7Protest#RepealTheCyberCrimeAct #RevolutionNow pic.twitter.com/64cWT9Ad19
— Take it back Movement (@TIBmovement) April 7, 2025
#RepealTheCyberCrimeAct Protest Hit Lagos#April7Protest
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 7, 2025
WATCH: #RepealTheCyberCrimeAct: Nationwide Protests Hit Lagos, Oyo As Nigerians Rise Against Suppression Of Free Speech pic.twitter.com/Jt2OvtF1lC
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) April 7, 2025
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