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Outcry over Bill Seeking Death Penalty for Hate Speech
A bill that seeks death penalty and the establishment of an agency to check hate speech, has sparked varied assortments of condemnations from Nigerians with some describing it as draconian
The National Commission for the Prohibition of Hate Speeches (Estb., etc) Bill 2019, is a bill seeking death by hanging for anyone found guilty of any form of hate speech that results in the death of another person.
Under the proposed law, offenders are also either liable to 10 years jail term or payment of N10m fine.
An offender, according to the bill is, “a person who uses, publishes, presents, produces, plays, provides, distributes and/or directs the performance of any material, written and or visual.
The bill sponsored by , Sabi Abdullahi, a former Senate spokesperson, who is now the deputy Senate Whip, had suffered a setback for some unknown reasons.
But in a new development, the bill was on Tuesday, November 12, read for the first time at the senate.
It stated that such individuals had committed an offence if they intended to stir up ethnic hatred, or having regard to all the circumstances, ethnic hatred is likely to be stirred up against any person or persons from such an ethnic group in Nigeria.
“Any person who commits an offence under this section shall be liable to life imprisonment and where the act causes any loss of life, the person shall be punished with death by hanging,” it added.
Offenders liable to a 10-year jail term or that risk N10m fine are those who stir ethnic hatred by their speeches.
The bill states, “In this section (3), ethnic hatred means hatred against a group of persons from any ethical group indigenous to Nigeria.
“A person subjects another to harassment on the basis of ethnicity for the purposes of this section where on ethnic grounds, he justifiably engages in a conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating that other person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment for the person subjected to the harassment.
“Conduct shall be regarded as having the effect specified in subsection (1) (a) or (b) of this section if, having regard to all circumstances, including in particular the perception of that person.
“A person who subjects another to harassment on the basis of ethnicity commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment for a term not less than 10 years, or to a fine of not less than N10m, or to both.
“Any person who knowingly utters words to incite feelings of contempt, hatred, hostility, violence or discrimination against any person, group or community on the basis of ethnicity or race, commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than five years, or to a fine of not less than N10m or to both.
“A person victimises another if in any circumstance relevant for the purpose of this Act, the person does any act that is injurious to the wellbeing and esteem of another person by treating the person to less favourably than, in those circumstances.”
The bill added that, where the offenders are a corporate organisation, every director, trustee and officer of that body corporate shall also be deemed to be guilty of the offence.
In a swift reaction, Mr Raphael Adebayo, convener, Free Nigeria Movement, said his organisation would mobilise Nigerians to resist the proposed anti-hate speech bill.
The activist described the planned anti-hate speech commission as an attempt to muzzle Nigerians and deprive the citizens of their rights.
Adedayo admonished Nigerians to rise up and oppose the bill, which he said was designed to take way the people’s liberty and constitutional rights, adding that the nation could not allow the National Assembly to pass “this tyrannical legislation.”
Also, former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday said the bill was an abuse of the legislative process, adding that it would violate Nigerians’ constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech.
He said in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, that it was prudent to build upon the tolerance inherited from those years and not shrink the democratic space to satisfy personal and group interests.
He said, “Atiku wishes to sound a note of caution to those now toying with the idea of an anti-hate Speech Bill, with punishment for supposed hate speech to be death by hanging. The contemplation of such laws is in itself not just hate speech, but an abuse of the legislative process that will violate Nigerians’ constitutionally guaranteed right to Freedom of Speech.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) said that the newly introduced bill could not be justified in a democracy.
The association, in a statement sent to The PUNCH by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kunle Edun, on Tuesday, cautioned the Senate to “tread carefully” with the bill.
It also reminded the Senate that section 39(3) of the Constitution had made it mandatory that no law could abrogate the rights of Nigerians to exercise their right to freedom of speech.
It stated, “We therefore, strongly advise that the Senate should tread carefully on this bill.
“Section 39(3) of the Constitution makes it mandatory that no law can abrogate the rights of Nigerians to exercise their right to freedom of speech except if such law can be reasonably justified in a democratic society. “Can a Hate Bill be reasonably justified in a democratic society?”
The NBA said with the nation already grappling with wanton arrest and prosecution of citizens from treasonable felony after expressing their opinions, there might not be any guarantee that the bill when signed into law would not be used to harass those exercising their right to free speech.
It noted that while the right to freedom of expression was not absolute, there were enough laws in Nigeria to tackle the excesses, implying that there was no need for the proposed law.
Also, Chief Ifedayo Adedipe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, condemned the bill and called on Nigerians to resist it. The SAN described the bill as an extension of rights abuses under the All Progressives Congress government.
In a heartfelt tribute, MTN has hailed late Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, an exceptional leader, steady hand and enduring legacy.
Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Former Chairman
In the tribute, MTN said it was deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dozie, founding chairman of MTN Nigeria.
He passed away at the age of 85
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him” the telecom giant said.
A pioneer, statesman, and titan of industry, Dr. Dozie played a pivotal role in the emergence of mobile telephony in Nigeria and in shaping the MTN Nigeria story.
He brought insight, experience, and leadership at a time when bold vision was essential.
He was instrumental in securing the early support and investment that brought the Y’ello dream to life. On May 16, 2001, he made the first call on the MTN network, a historic moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications journey.
For 18 years, from 2001 to 2019, Dr. Dozie served as Chairman, leading with strength and conviction.
His presence on the Board was unifying. He championed good governance, corporate responsibility, and long-term value, deeply committed to the greater good. In challenging times, he remained a stabilising force.
“His unwavering belief in Nigeria’s potential and his dedication to its development were truly inspiring. His leadership at MTN Nigeria laid the foundation for our success, and his legacy will continue to guide us in the years to come,” Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria.
Some of his landmark contributions include:
The incorporation of the MTN Nigeria Foundation in 2004 and our commitment to dedicating a percentage of profit after tax to social investments;
The launch of one of Africa’s largest switching centres in 2010;
His significant role in 2015 during critical conversations around the regulatory fine and its resolution;
The introduction of Africa’s first 3G feature phone in 2018;
MTN Nigeria’s listing in 2019 on the premium board of the Nigerian Exchange.
“Dr. Dozie was instrumental in MTN Group’s expansion into Nigeria, providing visionary leadership that has left an indelible mark on our company’s history. His commitment to excellence and integrity set a standard that we continue to uphold,” Ralph Mupita, president & CEO, MTN Group.
His legacy goes well beyond MTN. He believed in Nigeria’s potential and dedicated his life to building a stronger nation.
His impact spanned banking, telecommunications, education, and public service.
He founded Diamond Bank, led the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, and served as Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria, among many other distinguished roles. A generous mentor, he inspired and guided countless individuals who continue to uphold the values he lived by.
He was a quiet revolutionary. He could ease tensions with grace and consistently led with clarity and conviction.
He was warm, principled, and deeply respected by all who encountered him.
Fondly known as PGD, he was honoured with the national awards of Officer and Commander of the Order of the Niger (OON and CON).
Beyond the accolades, what we remember most is the man himself. He was innovative, dedicated, measured, thoughtful and humble.
“We are profoundly grateful for his time with us. His memory will remain a guiding light for MTN, Nigeria’s business community, and everyone who shares his unwavering commitment to progress built on integrity and service” MTN stated
Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) in collaboration with Jigawa state government, commenced training of 150 youths on satellite technology and digital communication.
Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NIGCOMSAT limited,
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, held at Manpower development Dutse, Jane Egerton-Idehen, managing director, NIGCOMSAT limited, highlighted the role of NIGCOMSAT in driving grassroots innovation in Jigawa state.
She explained that, the training is organised by Nigcomsat supported by Jigawa state government with the theme: “Space Technology for grassroots development”, aimed at empowering youths on digital innovations to create jobs opportunities and boost economy.
“The Nigcomsat youth empowerment programme, Jigawa is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting-edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communication”, she said.
The MD maintained that, the program designed to Foster innovation, enhance technical skills and create opportunities for youths in the ever-evolving space-tech industry.
According to her, during the training two key sub-program will be featured, Spacehack 2025 aimed at developing satellite technology to tackle real world challenges in areas like agriculture, disaster management, telecommunications and security issues.
She maintained that, the other part of the training focused on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) technology, a satellite communication system that uses small antennas to transmit and receive data, voice, and vedio signals.
In his remarks, Dr Habib Muhammad Ubale, director general, Jigawa State Economic Empowerment and Youth employment agency, urged the participants to concentrate, acquire the skills and stepdown the skills to others for better development.
Dr. Habib who is the effort is one of the twelve points agenda of Governor Malam Umar Namadi said, the training will create thousands of jobs, improve economy and reduce security challenges in the state.
In a major stride towards positioning Nigeria as a global technology hub where digital technology is leveraged to uplift the nation, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced its strategic partnership with KAOUN International to host the world-renowned Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Nigeria.
This announcement was made at NITDA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja during the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) which comprises representatives from key public and private sector stakeholders, underscoring a unified national effort to deliver a world-class tech conference on Nigerian soil.
This maiden edition of the event which is themed “Forging the Rise of Digital Nigeria” is expected to have not less than 1000 startups, over 100 investors and an attendance of over 20,000 participants which would be held in Abuja and Lagos between 1st and 4th of September 2025.
GITEX Nigeria is set to bring together global tech leaders, innovators, investors, startups, and policy makers, opening up new avenues for collaboration, investment, and technological exchange.
The event in Abuja will witness government leadership and AI summit to unite government leaders and global tech executives to drive national projects, including digital infrastructure expansion, AI adoption and public sector innovation while in Lagos, which is the commercial hub of the country, GITEX aims to spotlight the nation’s tech ecosystem, promoting startups, attracting investment, growth driving multi-sector economic diversification to a global audience.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa who was represented by the Director of the ITIS department, Mr Olawumi Oladejo, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the milestone achievement and thanked everyone for all the effort they have been putting into the actualisation of the great event in Nigeria.
He emphasized the potential impact of hosting such a prestigious event, stating that it would not only elevate Nigeria’s international profile but also boost local businesses, drive tourism, and provide a platform for innovation and partnerships.
“We all know the positive impact that hosting this kind of event will bring to the country. It will boost our international standing and scale our local businesses and tourism. This event is part of our way of implementing a major pillar, Forging Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations of the agency’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2024–2027),” he added.
According to the DG, the implementation of the GITEX Nigeria is in line with the 8-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through the implementation of the agency’s SRAP.
Noting that the GITEX model has expanded to North Africa, specifically in Morocco, Inuwa asserted that Nigeria’s hosting of the event will mark its first footprint in West Africa.
While assuring the stakeholders of presidential backing for the initiative, the DG concluded that “if we can successfully host this, it will open the door for Nigeria to lead digital transformation efforts across the region.”
In his presentation on the overview of the GITEX Nigeria preparations, the Director of the Stakeholder Management and Partnerships department, Dr Aristotle Onumo stated that the vision of the event is to elevate 6 local startups to global standards in 3 years.
He added that the event which will be anchored on 3 fulcrums; enablement, engagement, and knowledge to enhance growth in the Telecom, Fintech, Agritech, Edtech, e-Commerce, Healthtech as well as data centres in reinforcing data sovereignty and other sectors.
Speaking on the opportunities the event will bring in terms of boosting investments into the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem, he noted that “78% of startups are expecting to receive funds from investors as a result of their participation in GITEX.”
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