The House of Representatives has called on the Presidency and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to ensure the protection of press freedom. Addressing the issue of unlawful detention of journalists, Honourable Clement Jimbo emphasized the need for adherence to legal processes. He asserted that individuals violating the Cybercrime Act should be prosecuted according to the law rather than facing illegal arrests and detentions.
Highlighting the arrest of 10 journalists over the past year, Jimbo also addressed concerns regarding allegations of cyberbullying. He urged the police to strictly follow the provisions of the Cybercrime Act in such cases.
In May, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) jointly called on Nigerian authorities to cease using repressive laws against journalists. Marking World Press Freedom Day, they stated, “The government of President Bola Tinubu, the country’s 36 governors, and the FCT minister must now genuinely uphold press freedom, ensure access to information for all Nigerians, obey court judgments, and respect the rule of law.”
The groups expressed grave concerns over the increasing crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom, criticizing the authorities’ blatant disregard for the rule of law. They highlighted various forms of press suppression, including extrajudicial actions, unlawful detentions, disappearances, malicious prosecutions, and the misuse of legislation and law enforcement.
“We will continue to speak truth to power and hold authorities accountable for their constitutional and international obligations, including on freedom of expression and media freedom,” the statement concluded.
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