HURIWA Condemns Rising Harassment of Journalists Under President Tinubu’s Administration
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the increasing harassment and intimidation of journalists across Nigeria, warning that these actions represent a serious threat to press freedom and democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
HURIWA’s concerns stem from recent troubling incidents, including the summoning of three journalists from Alimosho Today, a community news outlet in Lagos, by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command. The journalists—Wisdom Okezie, a former reporter; Ayomide Eweje, the managing editor; and Oluwamodupe Akinola, the publisher—were ordered to appear at the Zone 2 Command office on August 27, 2024. The summons, dated August 22, 2024, was signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Martin Nwogoh. However, the letters did not specify the complainant or the nature of the inquiry, raising concerns about the legitimacy and intentions behind the summons.
In a statement released on Tuesday, HURIWA criticized these actions, labeling them as fostering a “climate of impunity” where journalists are increasingly targeted for performing their duties. The organization accused the police of being used as a tool by public officials and influential individuals to silence the press, condemning the trend of security agencies using complaints about media reports as a pretext to arrest, detain, or charge journalists without verifying the accuracy of their stories.
HURIWA highlighted several alarming cases of journalist harassment under dubious charges, particularly related to the Cybercrime Act. The organization noted that since President Tinubu’s administration began in May 2023, at least 11 journalists have been detained on questionable grounds. Among the cases cited:
- Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) was abducted by the Intelligence Response Team and detained for three days before being transferred to Abuja.
- Segun Olatunji, editor of FirstNews, was arrested and detained in an underground cell for 14 days over a report implicating a top government official in a $30 billion scandal.
- Kasarachi Aniagolu of The Whistler was arrested and assaulted while covering an EFCC raid.
- Achadu Gabriel of Daybreak Newspaper faced charges of defamation and incitement.
- Godwin Tsa of The Sun Newspaper was assaulted and detained while covering a peaceful protest.
- Online publisher Precious Eze was arrested, with his gadgets seized, and left incommunicado.
- Informant247 journalists Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez were detained after reporting on financial fraud.
- Saint Mienpamo of NAIJA Live TV was arrested over a report on a fatal incident involving security guards.
- Abdulrasaq Babatunde of Just Events Online and Lukman Bolakale of Satcom Media were detained for 10 days after being summoned by police in Kwara State.
HURIWA argued that these incidents reflect a disturbing trend of repression under the current administration. The misuse of the Cybercrime Act for censorship and the disregard for legal protocols suggest a drift towards authoritarianism that undermines Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
The group warned that continued silence and inaction could lead Nigeria towards a dictatorship, emphasizing that the erosion of press freedom is a critical red flag. HURIWA called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to address the misuse of police power against journalists and urged the government to uphold the rule of law, respect press freedom, and protect media professionals’ rights.
The association also appealed to civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and the public to stand in solidarity with journalists. Additionally, HURIWA called on international bodies and foreign governments to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions against the press, underscoring the importance of a free and independent media for a functioning democracy.
