CSO Warns Against Constitutional Breach Over Forensics Bill

The African Leadership Strategy and Transparency for Development Initiative (ALSTDI) has asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to withhold assent to the Digital Forensics Bill, warning that the legislation has exceeded the constitutional timeframe for presidential action.

ALSTDI executive director, Comrade Nelson Ossaieze, told journalists on Tuesday that the bill, transmitted to the Presidency on February 25, 2026, became statute-barred on March 25, 2026, under Section 58(4) of the Nigerian Constitution.

According to him, under that section of the 1999 Constitution, presidential assent or refusal must occur within 30 days. That window closed on March 25, 2026.

“The bill in question is now statute-barred. Any attempt to grant assent outside the constitutionally prescribed timeframe would amount to a direct violation of the constitution and a dangerous precedent for executive overreach,” Ossaieze declared.

The group expressed concern over reports that promoters of the bill are attempting to bypass due process and influence the assent process despite the expiration of the constitutional timeline.

“Such a conduct is unacceptable. It undermines the authority of the Constitution and erodes public trust in democratic institutions,” ALSTDI warned.

The organisation also highlighted that several key national institutions — including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) — had opposed the bill during public hearings, citing concerns about its necessity and implications.

ALSTDI therefore urged President Tinubu to decline assent, reject undue pressure and to advise the bill’s promoters to restart the legislative process in compliance with constitutional requirements.

“Nigeria’s democracy is anchored on the supremacy of the Constitution. Constitutional timelines are binding obligations and not optional guidelines,” Ossaieze emphasised.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending constitutional democracy and vowed to closely monitor the matter.