Global human rights organization Amnesty International has criticized Nigeria's Cyber Crimes Act, describing it as one of the most oppressive laws used to stifle freedom of expression and evade accountability.

The condemnation follows the arrest and detention of human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi by the Nigeria Police Force in Ekiti State. His arrest is linked to allegations of cybercrime arising from a petition by prominent lawyer Afe Babalola, who has faced criticism for alleged abuse of power.

In a statement on Thursday, Amnesty International called for Farotimi’s immediate and unconditional release, describing his detention as a misuse of the law. “The Cyber Crimes Act has shrunk civic space and fostered a climate of fear. Its manipulation continues to fuel attacks on fundamental freedoms,” the organization stated.

Farotimi, a vocal critic of Nigeria's justice system, was arrested in connection with statements made in his book, Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System, which allegedly implicated Afe Babalola and his law firm in corruption at the Supreme Court. The Ekiti State Magistrate Court denied him bail and adjourned his case to December 10, 2024.

The Cyber Crimes Act, enacted in 2015 to combat online criminal activities, has been criticized for its frequent use to target activists, journalists, and dissenters. Amnesty International argued that the act's misuse undermines Nigeria's constitutional guarantees of free expression and international human rights obligations.

The group also highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s law enforcement system, warning that police interrogation centers are notorious for human rights abuses. “In police custody, there is little hope of fair treatment,” Amnesty said, urging President Bola Tinubu's government to halt escalating crackdowns on dissent and ensure citizens can freely exercise their rights.

Farotimi faces charges of criminal defamation and cybercrime, including allegations that statements in his book were intended to injure the reputation of Afe Babalola and others. The charges cite several passages from the book, accusing him of spreading false claims likely to cause public alarm and undermine the judiciary's integrity.

Critics argue that Farotimi’s detention underscores broader concerns about the weaponization of Nigeria’s legal system to silence dissent and shield influential figures from scrutiny.