Dr. Laz Ude Eze, a medical doctor turned activist has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court, Abuja, challenging the Ebonyi State Anti Social Media Law otherwise known as the Ebonyi State Cybercrime (Prohibition) Law 2021.
In a statement on social media, Dr Eze stated that he was in court with the Ebonyi State Government to “seek certain declarations of the court that will help to curtail the excesses of the Ebonyi State government and its agents in violating the fundamental human rights of innocent citizens”
The statement read:
“Good morning ndi Ebonyi State and distinguished Nigerians.
Attached herewith is my law suit at the Federal High Court Abuja against the controversial and draconian Ebonyi State Cybercrime (prohibition) Law 2021. As a democrat, I am seeking certain declarations of the court that will help to curtail the excesses of the Ebonyi State government and its agents in violating the fundamental human rights of innocent citizens.
Recall that my name appeared recently on a purported social media watch list by the Ebonyi State Government which was widely circulated on social media. Although the authenticity of the list is questionable, the abduction, arrest, torture, detention, harassment and prosecution of citizens who disagree publicly with the policies of the state government is well known to ndi Ebonyi and the general public.
Evil persists when good men do nothing. I’ve taken this proactive step in public interest and in defense of our hard earned democracy. Nigerians resisted social media law at the national level. But the good, lawful and diligent people of Ebonyi State woke up to a secret document enacted by the shameless House of Assembly without the knowledge or involvement of the people. This law enables the ongoing gross suppression of free speech, harassment of innocent citizens including declaring them wanted, and constriction of the civic space. A law that even some members of the House of Assembly denied having a copy.
Let’s see how the events at the court will unfold. I won’t comment on the substance of the case as I’m confident that the judiciary, being the last hope of a common man like me, will do justice to this. By God’s grace, victory shall be ours.
May God continue to bless the incredibly good people of Ebonyi State.
Dr. Laz Ude Eze
Concerned citizen of Ebonyi State.
02/02/2022″
As at the time of filing this report, a response from the Ebonyi State Government was still being awaited.
