By Daniel Abia, Port Harcourt

The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has commended the Federal Government for efforts to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace from criminal exploitation, while urging strict enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act in line with constitutional safeguards.

The group said the increasing cases of cyber fraud, identity theft, cyberstalking, terrorism financing, ransomware attacks and threats to critical national infrastructure require strong legal measures to protect the country’s digital ecosystem.

In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Sunday, Chancellor of ISSJHR, Comrade Omenazu Jackson, said national security efforts must not become a basis for undermining constitutional freedoms.

He stressed that the strength of a democracy is measured not only by the existence of laws but also by their ability to protect the rights they are designed to preserve.

Omenazu noted that while the Cybercrimes Act contains provisions capable of addressing genuine cybercriminal activities, some sections raise constitutional, legal and human rights concerns due to their broad interpretation and potential for abuse.

He said freedom of expression remains a fundamental right guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which protects citizens’ right to hold opinions and receive and share information without interference.

He added that Section 22 of the Constitution places a responsibility on the press and other media platforms to promote accountability and ensure that government remains answerable to the people.

According to him, this constitutional responsibility cannot thrive if journalists, bloggers, civil society organisations and citizens operate under constant fear of prosecution for expressing critical opinions.

Omenazu also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protect freedom of expression while allowing only restrictions that are lawful, necessary and proportionate in a democratic society.

The rights group expressed concern that excessive use of cybercrime laws could discourage public participation and create a situation where citizens begin to censor themselves for fear of legal consequences.

“Citizens may begin to censor themselves out of fear that criticism of public officials, government agencies or influential individuals could attract criminal investigation. Democracy cannot flourish where fear replaces free debate,” he said.

ISSJHR, however, clarified that its position was not against regulation, stressing its support for firm action against cyber fraud, financial crimes, identity theft, child sexual exploitation, cyber terrorism, online extortion, hacking, unlawful interception of communications and incitement to violence.

Omenazu argued that enforcement of the Cybercrimes Act must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, due process and judicial independence.

“No democratic nation has ever become stronger by criminalising criticism. Governments earn legitimacy not by silencing opposing voices but by answering them with facts, accountability and good governance,” he said.

He added that as digital technology continues to reshape political participation, commerce and governance, Nigeria must ensure that the internet remains a platform for constructive engagement rather than a space where citizens fear expressing lawful opinions.

ISSJHR maintained that national security and fundamental human rights are not opposing interests but complementary pillars required for a stable and enduring democracy.