The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a civic advocacy group, has published a list of 19 Nigerians targeted, pursued, and detained by the Nigerian government under the contentious Cybercrime Act of 2024. Released on Tuesday alongside a report on its April 7, 2025 nationwide protest, the list covers cases from 2017 to 2025, naming journalists, activists, and social media influencers accused of cyberstalking, spreading “false information,” or criticizing public officials online.
The TIB Movement argues that the Cybercrime Act, originally intended to combat internet fraud and safeguard digital integrity, is being misused to suppress dissent and curtail free speech. Among those listed is journalist Agba Jalingo, detained for 174 days in 2019 for alleging financial misconduct by the Cross River State government under former Governor Ben Ayade. Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and #RevolutionNow Movement leader, has faced multiple arrests and over 150 days of detention since 2019 for protest activities and alleged seditious online posts. Investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu was detained for 10 days in 2024 for a report on corruption involving a former minister.
Others include Olumide Ogunsanwo, known as Seaking, detained multiple times, including 17 days starting December 20, 2024, for TikTok videos accused of cyberstalking, inciting violence, and insulting Pastor Enoch Adeboye. Isaac Bristol, alias PIDOM, was held for 60 days in 2024 for allegedly leaking classified documents. Human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi was detained for 18 days after claiming online that Afe Babalola (SAN) corrupted the judiciary. Activist Olamide Thomas was arrested and detained for 24 days over a video allegedly insulting President Bola Tinubu’s son and police officers. Social media influencer Martin Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, was detained for 14 days for critical posts.
Additional cases include Emperor Gabriel Ogbonna, detained for 141 days in 2020 over a Facebook post alleging a traditional oath-taking by then-Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpazu; Chinonso Uba, detained for 10 days in 2024 for criticizing police actions; and Funke Olakunrin, held for four days in 2024 for allegedly cyberstalking a local leader. Blessing Agbomhere, Kufre Carter, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu, Aliyu Musa, Saint Mienpamo Onitsha, Chidiebere Onyegbuchule, Rotimi Jolayemi, and Oliver Fejiro were also detained for periods ranging from four to 60 days between 2017 and 2024 for online posts or reports deemed critical or defamatory by authorities.
The TIB Movement stated, “While the Cybercrime Act of 2024 aimed to address cyber threats, it has become a tool to silence government critics.” The group pledged to continue advocating for a public review of the Act’s provisions, particularly those threatening freedom of expression and press freedom. As demands for reform or repeal intensify, this list is likely to fuel debates over digital rights, press freedom, and civil liberties in Nigeria’s democracy.
