- Nigeria’s 2019 mass phone-tapping regulations are under legal scrutiny as the Federal Government faces a lawsuit at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice. Rights advocates say the rules violate citizens’ constitutional and international rights.
The suit was filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) after former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai claimed he intercepted a call involving National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, citing government surveillance of citizens.
SERAP is asking the court to declare the regulations unlawful, order their immediate withdrawal, and require any new rules to comply with human rights standards.
SERAP argued that the regulations allow sweeping, secret surveillance that threatens privacy, freedom of expression, and democratic processes. They warned the rules could be misused against journalists, political opponents, and civil society, especially ahead of the 2027 elections.
The organisation also highlighted risks from bulk data collection, vague interception powers, and lack of judicial oversight, stressing that free and fair elections depend on protected communications and confidential sources.
No hearing date has been set.
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