ASSESSMENT OF THE LAW OF SEDITION AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN NIGERIA

This study elaborates the provisions of the right to freedom of expression, analysis and its limitations to the law of sedition, in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended, it also examines the nature of the right to freedom of expression and the law of sedition in the Criminal Code, Penal Code, African Charter on Human and People's Right, Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Police Act and other International Instruments. Although individuals are entitled to the right to freedom of expression, the right is not absolute, as limitations were provided for in the Constitution, to maintain peace, as it relates to the offence of sedition.The recent developments of the law of sedition has become tyrannical, causing flagrant violation of human rights, by so many governmental agencies, causing doubts on its institution,as most governmental officials see themselves as above the law, and tend to use sedition as a shield to seal the truth. In contemporary Nigeria, the law of sedition is said to be outdated, and has in reality, lost its relevance due to its injustice. This research recommends that, governmental bodies should be set up to safe guard the laws of the state where nobody is above the law to maintain order and peace. Also, the institution of the law of sedition should solely be on equity, natural justice and good conscience;as it will bring free access to justice.