SERAP files ECOWAS Court suit challenging Nigeria’s 2019 lawful interception regulations
The Facts
- SERAP filed a lawsuit at the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in Abuja against Nigeria’s federal government under President Bola Tinubu over the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019.
- The suit is identified in multiple reports as case number ECW/CCJ/APP/11/26 and was filed on a Friday.
- SERAP’s lawsuit argues the government has failed to withdraw what SERAP calls unlawful mass phone-tapping rules contained in the 2019 regulations.
- Reports say SERAP links the filing to allegations by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai that a phone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was intercepted.
- The Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019 are described as authorising or requiring telecom operators/licensees to install technology enabling security agencies to monitor communications, including calls and digital communications such as texts/emails/browsing/data.
- SERAP is seeking court declarations and orders aimed at withdrawing/scrapping the 2019 interception regulations and compelling compliance with human-rights standards.
Context
What is SERAP challenging in court?
SERAP is challenging the Lawful Interception of Communications Regulations, 2019, arguing that the federal government has failed to withdraw rules it describes as enabling unlawful mass interception of communications. Vanguard THISDAYLIVE
What do the 2019 interception regulations cover, as described in the reports?
The regulations are described as requiring/authorising telecom licensees to install interception capability that can allow security agencies to monitor communications such as voice calls, texts, emails, data and browsing/internet activity for security and crime-fighting purposes. Punch Newspapers Naija News OsunDefender
What prompted SERAP to say it brought the case now?
SERAP said the suit followed allegations by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai that a phone conversation involving National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu was intercepted. Vanguard Sahara Reporters THISDAYLIVE
The receipts — all 17 sources
Wire services (2)
Independent coverage (15)
Facts first. Then every angle.
The day’s biggest stories in one short brief — the facts everyone agrees on, then the competing values behind the headlines. Free in your inbox.