2024, year of attack on free speech, assault on journalists

Media practitioners, analysts and observers have described 2024 as year of attack on free speech and impunity against journalists. Globally, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) reports that at least 68 journalists and media workers were killed in the line of duty. More than 60 per cent of the killings were in countries that are facing conflict, the highest percentage in more than 10 years.

Overall, the killings of journalists and media workers (68) decreased compared to 2023 (74) and 2022 (88), although several cases are still being verified by UNESCO, in line with its working method. The decrease was notably driven by a drop in the numbers of journalists killed outside of countries in conflict, with 26 deaths. This was the lowest total in 16 years.

Between 2006 and 2024, over 1,700 journalists have been killed around the world, and around 85 percent of the cases did not make it to court, according to a report by UNESCO.

“Reliable information is vital in conflict situations to help affected populations and to enlighten the world,” said UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay.

“It is unacceptable that journalists pay with their lives for this work. I call on all States to step up and ensure the protection of media workers, in accordance with international law,” she added.

The report highlights that 42 journalists were killed in conflict zones this year, including 18 in Palestine, which recorded the highest toll. Other countries such as Ukraine, Colombia, Iraq, Lebanon, Myanmar, and Sudan also saw multiple fatalities, underscoring the heightened risks in regions marked by violence and instability.

This follows an unsettling trend seen in 2023, with more journalists losing their lives in conflicts over the past two years than in any comparable period since 2016-2017.

While conflict zones remain a critical concern, the overall number of journalist killings decreased slightly during this year. UNESCO has reported a 42 per cent increase in attacks on journalists reporting on environmental issues between 2019 and 2024, highlighting the evolving nature of risks confronting the media.

As UNESCO continues its efforts to promote press freedom and safeguard journalists, the agency calls on the international community to strengthen protections for media workers – ensuring that the quest for truth does not come at the ultimate cost.

Despite the ranking, media observers still believe Nigeria is one of the most dangerous countries to practice journalism in West Africa. Journalists are regularly monitored, attacked and arbitrarily arreste. The 2024 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Nigeria in 112th position out of 180 countries, an improvement from the 123rd, which it was ranked in 2023.

Recently, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) announced formation of a five-member committee to advocate repeal or amendment to anti-media laws in the country.

The committee is expected to work with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the National Assembly, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and other stakeholders to initiate reforms aimed at protecting press freedom.

According to the Guild, some legislations restrict press freedom, making it difficult for journalists to hold the government accountable, while also limiting access to information and undermining public participation in democracy.

In addition, the NGE and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) disclosed Nigeria appears to be worsening under the current administration. The groups listed 130 attacks recorded between the first and third quarters of this year, making it higher than the entire 2023 record.

Section 22 of the constitution says, the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the responsibility and accountability of the government to the people.

Similarly, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) says everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Recall that on January 16, 2024, a police team invaded ABN TV Abia State and arrested a guest during a live programme. This elicited strong condemnation from media advocacy groups.

On February 16 2024, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the federal government to reopen an investigation into the death of the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa.

Mr. Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja also asked the government to recommence probes into unresolved cases of extra-judicial killings of other journalists in the country.

To him, “an order is hereby made directing the federal government of Nigeria to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of all attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, and ensure that all victims of attacks against journalists have access to effective remedies.”

In March 2024, the Editor-in-Chief of Fresh Angle International Newspaper, Ebule Anthony Metsese, raised the alarm over alleged threats to his life. In a report filed by him, Ebule stated that, “as an indigene of Okere community in Warri, Delta State and a seasoned mass communicator, who understands and practice the concept of Social Responsibility Theory of the Media, I decided not to publish the event that happened in my beloved Okere community on that fateful day. Shockingly, despite our (Me and other members of Fresh Angle International Editorial Team) decision to play down on what transpired at Okere, there have been series of warnings, directly or indirectly targeted at me (Ebule Anthony Metsese) insisting that if I publish any I will be severely dealt with.”

On March 15, 2024, armed military men invaded the home of the former Editor of FirstNews, Segun Olatunji. He was subsequently whisked away and detained. This development elicited backlash from members of the public. He was, however, released two weeks after.

While on April 11, 2024, a Channels Television reporter, Joshua Rogers, was abducted from his residence in Rumuomasi, Obio/Akpor area in Rivers. He regained freedom the following day.

Also on April 11 2024, Executive Director, International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, was harassed by officials of the State Security Service otherwise known as the DSS, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

Arogundade was planning to board a late-night Air France Flight to Berlin, Germany, to participate in the general meetings and conferences of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX).

To Arogundade, “I was harassed by DSS officials for about 40 minutes because they claimed my name was still flashing on their watchlist despite the declaration two years ago by the Director General of the State Security Service, Mr. Yusuf Magaji Bichi, that my name had been removed when he met a delegation of the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI) led by Musikilu Mojeed.”

On May 1, 2024, Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was abducted by the Police for alleged violation of the 2015 Cybercrime Act. After intense criticism and protests from media rights groups, Ojukwu was released 10 days after.

Also on May 22, 2024, the publisher and editor-in-chief of Globalupfront Newspapers, Madu Onuorah, was abducted by men of the Ebonyi State Police Command. He was released few days later. On August 3 2024, numerous journalists were attacked by the security forces and aggressors across cities while covering the nationwide protests ‘End Bad Governance’.

The police also arrested dozens of protesters and fired teargas to disperse those trying to march to government offices in Abuja. In Kano State, at least one person was allegedly shot in the neck and rushed to a hospital.

At least 13 people were killed on Thursday when protests turned violent, Amnesty International said, blaming police for using live rounds. But police said on that in three days of protests, seven people died, but they denied responsibility. Nearly 700 people were arrested during the protests and nine officers injured.

In Abuja, the security forces fired upon and tear gassed media workers, who were reporting on the demonstration at the Moshood Abiola Stadium. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns in the strongest terms possible these reckless acts of violence by the security forces meted out to journalists who were doing their jobs, and calls on the Nigerian government to end all forms of harassment and repression on journalists and the media.

On October 14, 2024, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invaded Urban Radio Enugu during a live radio programme. The officials of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) later apologised over the matter.