**Nigerian Crypto Activist Fights for Bitcoin Rights**
Nigerian crypto activist and politician James Otudor is gaining strong support from the local crypto community in his legal battle to secure Nigerians' rights to own, use, and trade cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Tether.
Otudor revealed to Cointelegraph that while moral backing is strong, his team is holding off on accepting financial contributions until transparent systems are in place to avoid any potential propaganda.
**Court Session and Government Confusion**
The initial court session on Aug. 9 served as an introduction to the case. Otudor emphasized that the Nigerian government's confusion about crypto assets and blockchain technology fueled the lawsuit. Many Nigerians mistakenly believe Bitcoin is banned, leading even radio stations to avoid mentioning it due to fear of sanctions.
**Addressing Misconceptions**
Otudor countered the notion that crypto is mainly used for illicit activities, arguing that fraud involving Nigeria's fiat currency far exceeds crypto-related incidents. He advocates for proper regulations that ensure security and compliance while promoting local industry growth.
**Broader Implications**
This lawsuit is crucial as Nigeria faces increasing restrictions on cryptocurrencies. The Central Bank of Nigeria has imposed various limitations, creating challenges for crypto enthusiasts and businesses. Otudor's suit seeks to reverse these restrictions and protect Nigerians' rights to engage with digital assets freely.