The U.S. Department of State’s 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices has shed light on the troubling restrictions the Nigerian government has placed on the freedom of expression for its citizens and the media.
Nnamdi Chude found himself under arrest for cyberstalking after he tweeted accusations of election rigging against Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The report further details that Chude was later charged with cyberstalking for claiming that businessman Emeka Offor was asked by then-President-elect Tinubu to convince another candidate to accept the outcome of the February election.
Despite the constitutional protections for freedom of expression, encompassing the press and other media, the report underscores the ongoing instances of restrictions imposed by the government.
The authorities have been found to use laws pertaining to libel, slander, blasphemy, and “insult to religion” as mechanisms to curb speech, as revealed by the report.
Those who have criticized the government have reported facing threats, intimidation, arrests, detentions, and in some instances, violence as a result of expressing dissenting views.
The report asserts, “Although the constitution and law affirm the freedom of expression, including for press members and other media, there have been cases where the government has violated these rights.
“Authorities have occasionally employed laws against libel, slander, and blasphemy or ‘insult to religion’ to restrict speech.
“Freedom of Expression: Documented instances exist where the government has obstructed individuals’ capacity to criticize the government.
“Critics of the government have reported encountering threats, intimidation, arrest, detention, and even violence on occasion.
“The government has used broad ‘cyberstalking’ charges to detain internet users who have made derogatory comments about public figures.
