A Nigerian pro-Bitcoin politician and activist has revealed that he has filed a lawsuit against several Nigerian authorities for the restrictions on the possession, use and trading of BTC, USDT and other cryptocurrencies in the country. The lawsuit comes in the wake of the Nigerian government’s strict measures to control the crypto industry.

Pro-Bitcoin politician fights for crypto investor rights

Nigerian politician, educator, and Bitcoin advocate James Otudor shared details of the lawsuit he filed against key government agencies in the country. The lawsuit, filed in July, aims to challenge recent restrictions on the industry and defend the rights of Nigerian crypto investors.

Pro-BTC politician reveals lawsuit agaisnt key Nigerian authorities. Source: James Otudor on X

According to the post, the Bitcoin advocate believes that those who want to invest or already own and use cryptocurrencies are “being unfairly treated.” As a result, Otudor argues, the rights of Nigerian citizens have been violated “as guaranteed by Chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999.”

The suit is against the President of Nigeria, the Minister of Finance, the Attorney General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigerian Police and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Maurice Eban, Otudor’s legal representative, stated that the constitutional right to acquire and own property in the country also applies to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, as they are globally recognized valuable assets:

Bitcoin and USDT are recognized globally as valuable assets that protect holders from inflation and serve as a medium of exchange. Article 43 of the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to acquire and own property anywhere in Nigeria. This right extends to digital assets, which have become essential for financial inclusion and economic stability.

A “peaceful protest” to protect the sector

The landmark lawsuit challenges government restrictions, including the blocking of crypto trading platforms by telecom companies. The plaintiff claims these restrictions violate Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.

Otudor claims that the “continued targeting” of Nigerian crypto investors is a “clear violation of their fundamental human rights.” The plaintiff stressed that Bitcoin and all digital assets are essential tools to protect investors from inflation and facilitate international transactions.

The lawsuit emphasized the goal of protecting these fundamental human rights, “particularly in light of the devaluation of the naira and the shortage of foreign currency.” The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the law will protect the rights of Bitcoin users.

List of remedies requested by the Plaintiff. Source:James Otudor on X

Additionally, the plaintiff demanded unrestricted access for all Nigerians to online crypto exchange platforms and a declaration stating that the “intrusion, victimization and human rights violations of those who own, use and trade Bitcoin, USDT and other crypto in Nigeria are unlawful, unconstitutional and illegal.”

Finally, Otudor called for the establishment of crypto assets within the Nigerian financial ecosystem, “recognizing their different categories and regulating Bitcoin as a commodity.”

The politician and activist concluded his statement by calling the action a “peaceful protest” to ensure that the rights of crypto users and holders are protected and guaranteed. The outcome of the legal battle could have important implications and shape the future of the country’s challenging crypto landscape.

Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $60,491 in the three-day chart. Source: BTCUSDT on TradingView

Main image from Unsplash.com, chart from TradingView.com