‘Persecution is alarming’ — NGE condemns rising spate of journalists’ arrests

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the increasing abduction and arrests of journalists by security agencies.

Security operatives have intensified attacks on journalists since the turn of the year.

In March, Segun Olatunji, then editor of FirstNews, was abducted in Lagos.

On May 1, Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was detained by the police for 10 days after he was “abducted” by officers in Lagos.

On May 14, Jamil Mabai, a freelance journalist, was detained by the Katsina Hisbah religious police after being invited to “interview their spokesperson”.

On May 28, the police detained Dayo Aiyetan, the executive director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), and Nurudeen Akewushola, a reporter.

In a press statement signed by Eze Anaba, its president, at the end of its standing committee meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, the guild said security agencies, especially the police force, arrest journalists under the guise of enforcing the cyber security Act.

The guild said these “illegal actions” infringe on press freedom.

“The meeting deliberated on the state of the media with emphasis on the increasing spate of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country — under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act, and warned of the implications of such illegal actions on press freedom,” the statement reads.

“The professional body of media executives and editors while warning the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police, against press freedom violation, called for a proper understanding and intention of the Cyber Security Act.

“The law was enacted as a legal framework for combating cybercrimes and not for persecuting journalists, who are performing their legitimate duties in a democracy.”

The editors also condemned the duration of the detentions.

They also condemned the “inhuman treatment” journalists are being subjected to, and said it was a negation of the democratic space.

“Press freedom is the ability of the media to report news and express opinion without government interference, censorship, or retribution,” the statement reads.

“It is a fundamental human right essential for a healthy democracy, allowing citizens to access accurate information, hold leaders accountable, and participate in informed public discourse.”

The guild noted the harsh economic ecosystem under which the media currently operates in Nigeria, and called on the federal government to ensure the sustainability of the media industry through robust economic policies and direct interventions.