CPJ calls for release of four journalists detained over report on alleged fraud in GTB

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an independent, non-profit organisation promoting press freedom worldwide, has condemned the continued detention of four journalists facing cybercrime allegations.

On September 20, police in Lagos arrested Olurotimi Olawale, National Monitor newspaper editor, and Precious Chukwunonso, publisher of a privately owned news platform.

On September 25, police arrested Rowland Olonishuwa, a reporter with the Herald newspaper in Kwara state; and Seun Odunlami, publisher of Newsjaunts in Ogun state.

On September 27, the four journalists were charged with violating sections 24(1)(b) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act.

They were arraigned before a Lagos federal court for a report that accused Segun Agbaje, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), of involvement in alleged fraud worth N1 trillion (US$600 million).

The journalists had pleaded not guilty and were remanded at a Lagos correctional center, pending a bail hearing that was scheduled for October 4.

Although the police compelled the journalists to take down their articles, the house of representatives has announced an investigation into the matter.

The journalists are yet to be released on bail, while the charges against them have been amended to 10-counts.

The new charges include making “false and misleading allegations” on social media with intent to “extort” and “threaten” the management of GTB, as well as causing “harm” to the bank’s reputation.

Speaking on their continued detention, Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa programme, said: “Nigerian authorities should release journalists Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami and end the deepening criminalisation of the press.

“Nigerian authorities’ additional charges against these four journalists emphasizes their commitment to sending a chilling message to journalists across the country.”