Twitter Ban: ECOWAS Court Hears Suit Against Nigerian Govt June 22

The Community Court of the Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has set June 22 as the date for hearing in the lawsuit opposing the Federal Government’s ban on the microblogging service, Twitter, in Nigeria.

The lawsuit was filed before the court by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project as well as 420 Nigerians, including former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili and co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls movement, Aisha Yesufu.

The suit is opposing the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria, the criminalisation of Nigerians using Twitter, as well as the increased suppression of human rights, especially the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, and media freedom in Nigeria.

The suit is numbered ECW/CCJ/APP/23/21, and in it, the plaintiffs sought an order of interim injunction restraining the Federal Government from implementing its suspension of Twitter in Nigeria and subjecting anyone, including media houses and broadcast stations, who uses Twitter in Nigeria to harassment, intimidation, arrest and criminal prosecution, pending the hearing and determination of the suit, reports The Punch.

“The suspension of Twitter is aimed at intimidating and stopping Nigerians from using Twitter and other social media platforms to assess government policies, expose corruption, and criticise acts of official impunity by the agents of the Federal Government.

“The free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues without censor or restraints and to inform public opinion. The public also has a corresponding right to receive media output,” the plaintiffs said.

The plaintiffs said the Government’s decision has negatively affected millions of Nigerians who carry out business transactions and activities on the platform. They also described the ban as an impediment to freedom of expression.

“The arbitrary action by the Federal Government and its agents has negatively impacted millions of Nigerians who carry on their daily businesses and operational activities on Twitter. The suspension has also impeded the freedom of expression of millions of Nigerians, who criticize and influence government policies through the microblogging app.

“The suspension of Twitter is arbitrary, and there is no law in Nigeria today permitting the prosecution of people simply for peacefully exercising their human rights through Twitter and other social media platforms,” they said.

The court pointed out to both the plaintiff’s lawyer and the respondent’s counsel that the hearing would be virtual.

“Notice is hereby given that this application has been fixed for hearing of the Application for Interim Measure on the 22nd day of June 2021 at 10 am and will be heard on that day if the business of the court permits or otherwise on some adjourned day of which you may not receive further notice,” the court said.

The plaintiffs are being represented by Femi Falana (SAN) while the respondent’s counsel is Maimuna Lami Shiru.