Phone tapping: Surveillance regulations could be used against civilians, govt critics -SERAP
SERAP Raises Concerns Over Surveillance Regulations
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has voiced significant concerns regarding recent surveillance regulations, suggesting they could be misused against civilians and government critics.
Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director of SERAP, made these comments during an interview on Arise Television on Monday. His remarks followed allegations by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was the target of phone interception.
El-Rufai reportedly stated that he and another individual had tapped Ribadu’s conversation.
Oluwadare emphasized the need for such regulations to undergo legislative scrutiny and public hearings, arguing that they could infringe upon essential rights of Nigerians. “These regulations must have a thorough legislative process to ensure that necessary safeguards are in place,” he said.
He expressed concerns about the current regulations governing phone interceptions, noting potential issues with their language, civil liberties protections, and the possibility of misuse. “It is unclear how agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS) or the Office of the National Security Adviser utilize these powers,” he added, indicating a risk that they could be leveraged against ordinary citizens or dissenters.
Oluwadare clarified that his stance was not against interception outright but advocated for a framework that aligns with established legal standards in other jurisdictions, emphasizing the importance of incorporating robust safeguards.
