IPLAN to security agencies: stop profiling content creators

August 19, 2025 by Our Reporter

The Intellectual Property Lawyers Association Nigeria (IPLAN) has urged law enforcement agencies to end the persistent profiling of Nigerian content creators as criminals, fraudsters, or scammers.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of IPLAN, Mr Folarinwa Aluko, said in a statement that content creators are legitimate drivers of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy and deserve recognition as innovators and entrepreneurs—not suspicion.

“Content creators are building brands, telling our stories, and exporting Nigerian culture to the world.

“Treating creativity as a front for criminality is both wrong and dangerous.

“It erodes trust and undermines one of the most promising sectors of our economy,” he stated.

Aluko also warned against the weaponisation of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, particularly in clear cases of parody, criticism, or social commentary.

He reminded authorities that freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution, and criminalising lawful speech damages both democracy and innovation.

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Highlighting the resilience of Nigeria’s creative community, Aluko noted that many creators thrive despite chronic infrastructure gaps, limited financing options, restrictive payment systems, and minimal government support.

“Rather than profiling or persecuting them, we should be developing robust legal and financial frameworks to sustain their growth,” he said.

“The industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs, attract foreign investment, and expand Nigeria’s soft power globally.”

The statement also noted that the IPLAN Clinic, an arm of the association, has been providing pro bono intervention in cases involving wrongful arrests, unlawful content takedowns, and other threats to creators’ rights.

Aluko lamented that too many creators suffer in silence, unaware that professional, rights-focused support is available.

“No one adding value to the economy should stand alone when their rights are under attack,” he said.

He added that IPLAN remains committed to working with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and creators to ensure Nigeria’s digital economy grows without fear or harassment.