The [Foundation for Digital Justice and Sustainable Development](https://fdjs.org.ng) has lodged a petition before the [Federal High Court](https://federalhighcourt.gov.ng) in Abuja, alleging that the short‑form video platform [TikTok](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TikTok) has imposed access restrictions on users residing in parts of Northern Nigeria.
According to a filing reported by Daily Trust, the organisation claims that the app has blocked or geoblocked individuals in Kaduna, Kebbi, Kano and Sokoto states, preventing them from reaching the service.
Represented by counsel Festus Ogun, the group asked the court to examine whether the purported blockage infringes the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression and constitutes discriminatory treatment of the affected states’ residents.
The petition, dated 5 October 2026, invokes Sections 39, 42, 45 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, the Fundamental Rights Enforcement Procedure Rules 2009, and relevant clauses of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The applicants contend that TikTok cannot lawfully limit access for users in the named northern states while permitting unrestricted use elsewhere in the country.
They seek a declaration that the alleged limitation is “wrongful, unconstitutional and arbitrary”, arguing that it breaches fundamental rights to free expression and protection from discrimination.
The suit also requests an order compelling TikTok to lift the restriction immediately and to refrain from imposing any similar limitations on users in Northern Nigeria or any other region without a lawful basis.
Furthermore, the foundation asks the court to require TikTok to issue a public apology in three national newspapers for the alleged infringement of fundamental rights.
The petition asks the court to decide whether the geoblocking violates Section 39 of the Constitution, which safeguards freedom of expression, and Article 9 of the African Charter.
It also seeks a determination on whether the disparate treatment of users across the federation breaches Section 42 of the Constitution and Article 2 of the African Charter, both of which prohibit discrimination.
The case, filed in the Abuja Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, names TikTok Inc., headquartered in Culver City, California, United States, as the respondent.
The court has ordered the respondent to file an appearance within five days of receiving the summons, warning that further orders may be issued at its discretion.