Freedom Of Expression In Question As Government Target Online Voices, Citizens Punished Over Social Media Posts

Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, there has been a disturbing rise in the arrest, detention, and harassment of journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens over social media posts and critical commentary. These developments have sparked serious concerns about the erosion of press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

As previously highlighted in one of our reports, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, urged Nigerians to “speak up without fear,” warning that the country is in a state of collapse and urgently needs rescue.

Numerous individuals have faced arrest or intimidation simply for expressing dissenting views online. One such case is that of Olamide Thomas, a nurse and activist, who was arrested after posting a video on Facebook criticizing President Tinubu and other officials in the aftermath of the #EndSARS memorial procession.

Similarly, whistleblower Bristol Tamunobiefiri, also known as PIDOM, was detained on allegations of violating national security laws and cybercrime regulations.

More recently, on April 18, 2025, reports surfaced that the Executive Secretary of the Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS), Engineer Adam Bababe, orchestrated the arrest of Suleiman Usman—popularly known as Sultan—on charges of cyberbullying and defamation. Suleiman, 26, was arrested on April 12, 2025, under circumstances sources have described as politically motivated.

A source close to the case alleged that the arrest was carried out on Bababe’s orders, citing his close ties with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Borno State. “This isn’t about cyberbullying,” the source said. “It’s about silencing a young man for speaking out. Suleiman’s only ‘crime’ was refusing to align with those in power.”

The source further claimed that the Borno State Police, under pressure from political allies, are being weaponized to suppress dissent, particularly among youth critical of the APC-led government.

In response, Bababe told newsmen that Suleiman had engaged in repeated acts of cyberbullying, spreading false allegations, and inciting unrest. “He consistently defamed me online and posed a threat to my safety,” Bababe said, adding that legal action became necessary when Suleiman published his photo with accusations of being responsible for the state’s problems.

Critics argue that the frequent use of the Cybercrime Act to target online dissent is a clear strategy to stifle free speech. Media rights organizations and civil society groups have condemned this trend as a misuse of power and a violation of fundamental human rights.