- The period between 2023 and 2025 has seen a notable increase in actions perceived as threats to press freedom in Nigeria.
- Local and international rights groups urge Nigerian government to protect journalists and uphold constitutional freedoms.
Despite Nigeria’s democratic framework, press freedom has faced increasing challenges between 2023 and 2025.
Journalists and media outlets have encountered arrests, harassment, and censorship, raising concerns about the state of free expression in the country.
The Cybercrime Act of 2015, particularly Section 24, has been a focal point in discussions about press freedom.
Although amended in 2024 following a ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice deeming parts of it incompatible with international human rights standards, the law continues to be used against journalists.
Reporters Without Borders noted that at least eight journalists were prosecuted under the Cybercrime Act in the months following its amendment .
NOTABLE INCIDENTS (2023–2025)
Daniel Ojukwu (May 2024): A journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Ojukwu was detained for over a week under the Cybercrime Act after reporting on alleged financial mismanagement by a government official .
Segun Olatunji (March 2024): The editor of First News was taken from his home by individuals identifying as military officers. He was held for two weeks without charge after publishing reports on alleged corruption within the Defense Intelligence Agency .
Precious Eze (December 2023 & May 2024): An online publisher, Eze was arrested twice in connection with his reporting. In both instances, he faced charges under the Cybercrime Act, leading to concerns about the law’s use to suppress journalistic activities .
Informant247 Journalists (February 2024): Four journalists from Informant247 were charged under the Cybercrime Act and the Penal Code after publishing reports on alleged financial improprieties at Kwara State Polytechnic .
ROLE OF SECURITY AGENCIES
Security agencies have been identified as significant actors in the suppression of press freedom.
A report by Media Rights Agenda highlighted that from January to October 2024, there were 69 recorded attacks against journalists, with law enforcement and security agencies responsible for approximately 65% of these incidents .
INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC RESPONSES
The international community and local civil society organizations have expressed concern over the state of press freedom in Nigeria.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and Amnesty International have called for the release of detained journalists and the protection of media workers.
Domestically, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has documented cases of journalist harassment and urged the government to uphold constitutional rights .
The period between 2023 and 2025 has seen a notable increase in actions perceived as threats to press freedom in Nigeria.
The continued application of laws like the Cybercrime Act against journalists, coupled with the involvement of security agencies in suppressing media activities, underscores the challenges faced by the press.
These developments raise important questions about the balance between national security, legal frameworks, and the fundamental democratic principle of freedom of expression.
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