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The Digest:

A coalition of leading rights groups has issued a direct challenge to the administration's use of the justice system. In a joint letter, SERAP and Amnesty International called on President Tinubu to immediately withdraw criminal charges against Omoyele Sowore and social media giants, framing the lawsuits as a dangerous weaponization of the courts to stifle peaceful dissent.

Key Points:
  • The charges were filed against Sowore, X, and Facebook over "anti-Tinubu" posts.
  • The DSS lodged the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 16.
  • Charges include counts under the Cybercrimes Act and the Criminal Code Act.
  • The groups label the lawsuits as "SLAPPs" (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation).
  • They argue the suits are inconsistent with Nigeria's constitution and international obligations.
  • The letter urges the AG to propose an anti-SLAPP law to the National Assembly.
  • A 7-day ultimatum was given for action, threatening legal action at the ECOWAS Court.
This standoff highlights a critical tension between state power and civil liberty, testing the administration's proclaimed commitment to democratic tolerance and the rule of law.

Sources: Premium Times Nigeria