HURIWA condemns crackdown on journalists under Tinubu

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the increasing harassment and intimidation of journalists across Nigeria, warning that this rising climate of impunity poses a grave threat to press freedom and democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

HURIWA’s concerns arise from a series of troubling incidents, including the recent summoning of three journalists from Alimosho Today, a community news outlet in Lagos, by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA revealed that journalists—Wisdom Okezie, a former reporter; Ayomide Eweje, the managing editor; and Oluwamodupe Akinola, the publisher—were summoned to appear at the Zone 2 Command office on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

“The summonses were reportedly issued through letters dated August 22, 2024, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police Martin Nwogoh on behalf of the AIG. Notably, the letters did not disclose the identity of the complainant or the nature of the inquiry, raising serious concerns about the intentions behind the questioning,” the group stated.

HURIWA criticised this development, warning that such actions foster a “climate of impunity” where journalists are increasingly targeted for fulfilling their duties.

The association accused the police of being used as a tool by public officials and powerful individuals to silence the press. It also condemned the growing 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.

The rights group further listed a series of alarming incidents where journalists have been harassed, detained, and intimidated under dubious charges, particularly under the Cybercrime Act.

HURIWA noted that these attacks on the press are clear signs of an administration seeking to silence dissent and suppress free speech. The group pointed out that at least 11 journalists have been detained on questionable allegations since President Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.

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It said: “Among the journalists targeted is Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was abducted by the Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector General of Police and detained without communication for three days before being 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 over a report implicating a top government official in a $30 billion financial scandal.

“Other cases include Kasarachi Aniagolu of The Whistler, who was arrested and physically assaulted while covering an Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raid in Abuja; Achadu Gabriel of Daybreak Newspaper, who was detained and arraigned on charges of defamation and incitement; and Godwin Tsa of The Sun Newspaper, who was assaulted and detained 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 left him incommunicado. The pattern of repression continued with the arrest of Informant247 journalists Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez by the Kwara State Police after they published reports linking a state official to financial fraud. Furthermore, Saint Mienpamo of NAIJA Live TV was 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 said that these incidents are 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, combined with its disregard for legal protocols, signals a creeping authoritarianism that threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.

It warned that if Nigerians remain silent in the face of these systematic attacks on press freedom, the nation risks descending into dictatorship.

The association stressed that the persistent harassment and persecution of journalists are red flags that should not be ignored, noting that totalitarianism often begins with the dismantling of press freedom.

HURIWA further warned that the unchecked 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 intensified, with arbitrary arrests, detentions, and assaults becoming increasingly common.

The association called on Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to take immediate action to curb 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 the failure to address these issues endangers not only the journalists themselves but also the public’s right to information, which is crucial for a functioning democracy.

HURIWA also called on civil society organisations, human rights defenders, and the general public to stand in solidarity with journalists and demand an end to these oppressive tactics.

The group urged international bodies and foreign governments to hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions against the press.