By Mashat Palang Paul
The city of Jos is set to witness a mass demonstration as the Plateau State Chapter of the Take-It-Back Movement mobilizes residents for a peaceful protest on April 7, 2025. The rally aims to demand the repeal of the Cybercrime Act and the restoration of free speech, which activists claim has been severely undermined.
In a press statement released on April 3, 2025, the movement accused the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, amended in 2024, of being a tool for oppression. The law, they argue, has been used to harass journalists, silence activists, and punish citizens for speaking against the government.
“From the streets of Jos to the rural communities of our state, we see its impact: fear replacing freedom, and dissent branded as a crime,” the statement read.
Free speech is our right, not a privilege to be stripped away by those in power
The movement is calling on students, traders, farmers, and professionals to unite in protest, urging them to assemble peacefully with placards as they reclaim their right to free speech.
“Free speech is our right, not a privilege to be stripped away by those in power,” the group declared.
We implore security agencies to protect, rather than obstruct, this protest
John Onah, the State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement in Jos, emphasized the movement’s commitment to nonviolence and called on the Plateau State Police Command to ensure the safety of demonstrators.
“We implore security agencies to protect, rather than obstruct, this protest. The people of Plateau State—and all Nigerians—deserve to speak freely without fear of intimidation,” Onah stated.
The protest, already gaining traction online under the hashtag #April7Protest, has drawn support from civil rights groups, activists, and citizens across Nigeria. The Take-It-Back Movement has also appealed to national and international media to amplify their demands and hold leaders accountable for suppressing free expression.
From the streets of Jos to the rural communities of our state, we see its impact: fear replacing freedom, and dissent branded as a crime
As April 7 approaches, all eyes are on Jos. The Plateau State capital is poised to be the epicenter of a nationwide call for justice, as activists, students, and citizens prepare to take a stand against what they describe as a law designed to silence the people.
For further information, media representatives and interested participants are advised to contact John Onah, the State Coordinator of the Take-It-Back Movement, Jos Chapter.
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