Official Report on the Nationwide Protest by the Take It Back Movement Against the Cybercrime Act in Nigeria
Date of protest: April 7, 2025
Prepared by: TIB Monitoring & Evaluation Unit
Date: April 12, 2025
Executive Summary
On April 7, 2025, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement organized a coordinated nationwide protest across Nigeria to oppose the recently enacted Cybercrime Act of 2024. The movement emphasized the fact that the government is misusing the Act to suppress dissent, infringe on freedom of expression, and target journalists and activists.
The protest was held in several states within the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and were largely peaceful, with participants demanding the repeal of the Act and advocating for greater accountability and transparency in governance. However, there were reports of repression by the Nigerian police in several states, especially the FCT, in their usual disregard for human rights and noncompliance with the Nigerian law.
Background
The Cybercrime Act of 2024 was introduced to address the growing concerns over cyber threats and crimes in Nigeria. However, civil society organizations, including the TIB Movement, argue that the Act has been weaponized to stifle free speech and target critics of the government.
The TIB movement had gone ahead to notify the Nigerian police force about the scheduled protest and also published a list of some among the many Nigerians who have been unjustly detained by the police under the oppressive Cybercrime Act. Notable cases cited include the arrests of journalists and activists such as Omoyele Sowore, Dele Farotimi, and Agba Jalingo under provisions of the Act.
Protest Overview
The TIB Movement declared April 7, 2025, as a day of nationwide protest to coincide with National Police Day, aiming to draw attention to the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act by law enforcement agencies. Despite advisories from the Nigeria Police Force cautioning against the timing of the protests, demonstrations proceeded in various states, reflecting widespread public discontent.
States Highlights
Lagos State: A significant turnout was observed in Lagos, where protesters gathered in Ikeja and other locations within the state to demonstrate against the malicious cybercrime act. Residents of Oworonshoki in Lagos had met a day before to strategize towards making the protest a success. The TIB movement organized protesters and marched toward the state assembly to demonstrate and request for members of the assembly to address the protesters. The national coordinator of the TIB Movement, Comrade Sanyaolu Juwon, addressed the police and press, warning them against obstructing Nigerians from exercising their democratic rights and also reiterating calls for the repeal of the Cybercrime Act.
Federal Capital Territory (Abuja): In Abuja, demonstrators assembled and were led by the Convener of the TIB movement, Comrade Omoyele Sowore, alongside other notable leaders within the organization. Protesters were harmed with placards and were chanting slogans against the Cybercrime Act.
Sowore led the protest to the national assembly where the unreasonable act was enacted to demonstrate on behalf of Nigerians for the repeal of this act. The protesters also demanded to be addressed by members of the assembly; however, the Nigerian police, in its usual act of incompetence, attacked the protesters, shooting tear gas at them and also arrested and detained some of the protesters.
Comrade Omoyele Sowore, alongside some attorneys, followed up with the illegal detention and got everyone out. Sowore also emphasized that the protest on April 7 is just one of a series of protests and the TIB movement will continue to organize Nigerians against the impunity of the Nigerian government until the will of the people prevails.
Rivers State (Port Harcourt): In Port Harcourt, the protest saw participation from various civil society groups and concerned citizens. Residents of Rivers State took to the streets against military dictatorship, demanding a return to democracy, repeal of the cybercrime act, and better governance. Speakers highlighted the adverse effects of the Cybercrime Act on journalism and activism. Several protesters were subjected to severe police brutality, resulting in multiple hospitalizations.
Mrs. Esther Dipriye, the woman leader, collapsed due to the excessive use of force by the police. She was immediately rushed to the hospital where she received medical attention.
Furthermore, Amanyie King Amanyie, the Rivers State coordinator of the Take It Back movement, was shot by security operatives during the protest. He was hospitalized following the incident.
In Plateau, residents demanded justice for Bokkos victims, repeal of the Cybercrime Act, and better governance.
Other states where the TIB movement carried out an organized demonstration against the Cybercrime Act include Anambra, Adamawa, Bauchi, Edo, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto. All the states witnessed a vibrant protest, with participants marching through key areas of the city. The demonstration featured performances and speeches advocating for digital freedom and governmental accountability.
Government and Police Response
While the Nigerian Police Force acknowledged citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful protest, they raised concerns about the timing, which coincided with National Police Day. In Abuja, police responded with force, deploying tear gas and making arrests. This use of force has drawn strong condemnation from human rights observers and further inflamed tensions between civil society and law enforcement.
In other states, coordination between organizers and local authorities appeared to be calm without escalation. However, the events in Abuja spotlight a troubling trend of disproportionate force being used against peaceful demonstrators.
Conclusion
The April 7 protest, organized by the Take It Back Movement, reflected a widespread discontent with the legislative arm, which is viewed as repressive and anti-democratic by the majority of Nigerians. The sheer scale of participation across all regions signals a nationwide consensus on the need for reform and greater respect for civil liberties.
While most states experienced peaceful demonstrations, the events in Abuja exposed a concerning pattern of state intolerance toward dissent. The deployment of tear gas and arrest of demonstrators during a constitutional assembly of Nigerians is incompatible with democratic principles and must be thoroughly investigated. However, the protest has amplified calls for the Nigerian government to revisit the Cybercrime Act, initiate legal reforms, and recommit to upholding the rights of Nigerians that are enshrined in the Constitution.
Finally, it is recommended that the TIB movement must continue to put pressure on the callous Nigerian legislative arm and entire government to initiate a public hearing process and assess the Act’s controversial provisions, particularly those affecting freedom of expression and press freedom.
Akerele A.S
HOD, TIB Evaluation & Monitoring Unit
12th April, 2025
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