Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sued the federal government of Nigeria at the ECOWAS community court of Justice over alleged failure to withdraw controversial phone-tapping regulations.
The group filed the suit against the government of Bola Tinubu, challenging the lawful interception of communications regulations, 2019, which authorise telecommunications companies to install technology that allows security agencies to monitor calls, text messages, emails, and other digital communications for national security purposes.
In a statement signed on Sunday by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP deputy director, the organisation said the regulations create what it described as “unlawful mass phone-tapping rules” that violate Nigerians’ rights to privacy and freedom of expression.
The lawsuit followed claims by Nasir El-Rufai, former Kaduna state governor that the phone conversation of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser was intercepted.
According to SERAP, the regulations give broad surveillance powers to security agencies without adequate safeguards, judicial oversight, or clear limits on how such powers should be exercised.
In the suit numbered ECW/CCJ/APP/11/26, filed at the ECOWAS court in Abuja, SERAP is seeking a declaration that the government’s failure to withdraw the regulations violates Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.
The organisation also asked the court to compel the government to immediately withdraw the regulations and begin a legislative process to ensure that any future interception laws comply with international human rights standards.
SERAP further warned that the regulations could be abused as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, arguing that unchecked surveillance powers may threaten democratic participation and undermine electoral integrity.
The group acknowledged the government’s duty to address national security and crime but insisted that such measures must comply with constitutional and international protections for privacy and civil liberties.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.