Nigerian crypto activist and politician James Otudor has garnered significant support from the local cryptocurrency community in his legal battle for Nigerians’ fundamental rights to own, use, and trade Bitcoin, Tether, and other cryptocurrencies.
Speaking to Cointelegraph, Otudor shared that while moral support has been overwhelming, his team is not ready to accept financial contributions until systems ensuring transparency are in place. This precaution aims to prevent any potential propaganda from adversaries that could undermine the cause.
Court introduction and government confusion
The court session on Aug. 9 was primarily an introduction to the case. Otudor highlighted that the Nigerian government’s confusion regarding crypto assets and blockchain technology significantly motivated the lawsuit.
He pointed out a widespread misconception among Nigerians that Bitcoin is banned and that the government is against it. This belief is so pervasive that even radio stations avoid mentioning Bitcoin for fear of sanctions from the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Addressing misconceptions
Otudor challenged the notion that crypto assets are predominantly used for illicit activities. He argued that fraud involving the nation’s fiat currency far exceeds cryptocurrency-related incidents. “There is a higher ratio of fraud using the nation’s fiat currency than there has been so far with cryptocurrency,” Otudor asserted, countering a common argument against adopting digital assets.
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While Otudor is open to proper regulations, he emphasized the need for a deep understanding of the different asset classes within the crypto space. He advocates for a regulatory framework that ensures security and compliance and promotes the growth of local industry players. Otudor said,
“Drafting the regulations should be accelerated, and it should foster local industry players to thrive.”
The broader implications
This lawsuit comes at a critical time for Nigeria, where the stance on cryptocurrencies has been increasingly stringent. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed various restrictions on cryptocurrency transactions, creating a challenging environment for crypto enthusiasts and businesses. Otudor’s lawsuit seeks to reverse these restrictions and protect Nigerians’ rights to freely engage with digital assets.
The suit also demands an immediate reversal of the block on all crypto exchange platforms and unrestricted access for every Nigerian. Additionally, it calls for a declaration that the rights of Bitcoin (BTC), Tether (USDT), and other cryptocurrency holders be protected and guaranteed.
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