SERAP Sues Nigerian Government Over Phone-Tapping Rules

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against the Nigerian government, specifically targeting the mass phone-tapping regulations established in 2019. The lawsuit, filed at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja, argues that the government's failure to withdraw these regulations constitutes a violation of Nigeria's international human rights obligations.

SERAP's deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, highlights that the regulations allow for indiscriminate surveillance, infringing on citizens' rights to privacy and freedom of expression. The suit references allegations that former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's phone conversations were intercepted, raising concerns about political misuse of such powers, especially with the upcoming 2027 general elections.

SERAP seeks a court order to compel the government to withdraw the regulations and ensure that any future intercept laws comply with human rights standards, emphasizing the need for independent oversight to prevent abuse.