Foundation Takes Legal Action Against TikTok for Geoblocking

A foundation has initiated legal action against TikTok Inc, alleging that the social media platform has restricted or geoblocked users in Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Sokoto states from accessing its services. The lawsuit, filed on October 5, 2026, by the foundation's counsel, Festus Ogun, seeks a judicial determination on whether these restrictions violate the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and amount to discrimination against users in the affected northern states.

The suit references Sections 39, 42, 45, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009, and relevant provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The foundation argues that TikTok's actions are unlawful and requests the court to declare the restrictions as “wrongful, unconstitutional and arbitrary.” Additionally, the foundation seeks an order for TikTok to remove the restrictions, refrain from future discriminatory practices, and publish a public apology in three national newspapers.

The case is filed at the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, requiring TikTok to respond within five days.