The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised strong concerns about the growing harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria.
The association warned that this escalating trend threatens press freedom and democracy during President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
HURIWA’s alarm follows several troubling incidents, including the recent summoning of three journalists from the Lagos-based community news outlet, Alimosho Today, by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command.
In a statement released on Tuesday, HURIWA identified the journalists as Wisdom Okezie, a former reporter; Ayomide Eweje, the managing editor; and Oluwamodupe Akinola, the publisher. They were summoned to appear at the Zone 2 Command office on August 27, 2024, after receiving letters signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Martin Nwogoh, on behalf of the AIG.
The association expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the summons, as the letters did not reveal the complainant’s identity or the nature of the investigation, raising doubts about the motives behind the inquiry.
HURIWA condemned this development, warning that such actions contribute to a “climate of impunity” where journalists are increasingly targeted for simply doing their jobs.
The group accused law enforcement of being exploited by public officials and powerful individuals to silence the media.
They also criticized the growing tendency of security agencies to use media complaints as an excuse to arrest, detain, or charge journalists without proper verification of their reports.
HURIWA highlighted a series of alarming incidents in which journalists have faced harassment, detention, and intimidation under questionable charges, particularly under the Cybercrime Act.
The association pointed out that these attacks on the press indicate an administration intent on suppressing dissent and free speech. Since President Tinubu took office in May 2023, at least 11 journalists have been detained on dubious allegations.
Among the journalists mentioned was Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was abducted by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police, held incommunicado for three days, and later transferred to Abuja.
Similarly, Segun Olatunji, editor of FirstNews, was arrested by heavily armed military personnel and detained in an underground cell for 14 days following a report implicating a top government official in a $30 billion financial scandal.
Other cases include the arrest and physical assault of Kasarachi Aniagolu of The Whistler while covering an EFCC raid in Abuja, the detention and arraignment of Achadu Gabriel of Daybreak Newspaper on charges of defamation and incitement, and the assault and detention of Godwin Tsa of The Sun Newspaper while covering a peaceful protest in Abuja.
Additionally, online publisher Precious Eze was arrested at his Lagos residence, where a special police task force seized his gadgets and held him incommunicado.
The pattern continued with the arrest of Informant247 journalists Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez by the Kwara State Police after publishing reports linking a state official to financial fraud. Saint Mienpamo of NAIJA Live TV was also arrested over a report on a man allegedly killed by security guards, while Just Events Online publisher Abdulrasaq Babatunde and Satcom Media’s Lukman Bolakale were detained for 10 days after being summoned by a police unit in Kwara State.
HURIWA emphasized that these incidents represent just a fraction of the numerous cases of harassment and violence against journalists in Nigeria since Tinubu’s inauguration.
The association argued that the government’s misuse of the Cybercrime Act as a tool for censorship, along with its disregard for legal procedures, signals a creeping authoritarianism that endangers Nigeria’s democracy.
HURIWA warned that if these systematic attacks on press freedom continue unchecked, the country risks sliding into dictatorship.
The association stressed that the ongoing persecution of journalists is a serious red flag, noting that totalitarian regimes often begin with the suppression of the free press.
In its statement, HURIWA further cautioned that the unchallenged harassment of journalists by security agencies is part of a broader pattern of repression under President Tinubu’s administration.
The group noted that the misuse of power against journalists has become more severe, with arbitrary arrests, detentions, and assaults increasingly common.
HURIWA emphasized that this hostile environment undermines Nigeria’s democracy, as a free and independent press is crucial for holding those in power accountable.
The association called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to take immediate action to prevent the misuse of police power against journalists.
HURIWA also urged the government to uphold the rule of law, respect press freedom, and protect the rights of media professionals.
The association stressed that failure to address these issues not only endangers journalists but also the public’s right to information, which is essential for a functioning democracy.
HURIWA called on civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and the general public to stand in solidarity with journalists and demand an end to these oppressive tactics.
The group also urged international bodies and foreign governments to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions against the press.
The statement concluded with a call for the immediate release of all journalists currently detained on “dubious charges” and for all meritless cases against them to be dropped.
