Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned what it described as the alarming escalation of attacks, intimidation, and harassment of journalists across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a grave danger to media freedom, free expression, and citizens’ right to information.
In a statement by their Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale in Lagos on Thursday, Media Rights Agenda highlighted the arrest and detention of journalist Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in Kebbi State as a fresh example of the growing hostility towards the press. Hassan was arrested on the orders of Governor Nasir Idris after posting a viral video exposing the dilapidated condition of facilities at Kangiwa General Hospital.
Rather than address the issues raised in the video, MRA said, the state government chose to “punish the journalist by criminalising his work and violating his rights.”
According to eyewitnesses, security operatives stormed Hassan’s residence in Kangiwa town late on September 7, arresting him in front of his family, and seizing his phones and work equipment. He was first detained at a local police station before being moved to Birnin Kebbi, where police authorities have reportedly denied him access to his lawyers and family.
“These repeated incidents highlight the deteriorating environment for media freedom in Nigeria,” said John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer. “The culture of impunity, enabled by government, has emboldened perpetrators, both state and non-state actors, who now attack journalists without fear of consequences.”
MRA called for Hassan’s immediate release and urged Governor Idris “to desist from persecuting journalists and instead focus on fixing the decay in public infrastructure which his government has a responsibility to address.”
The organisation also cited other recent cases of attacks against journalists, including:
- The beating of Olatunji Adebayo, a Punch correspondent, by security operatives during a June protest in Ibadan.
- The July assault on Blessing Okonkwo, a freelance journalist in Anambra, while covering a demolition exercise.
- The detention and assault of Ibrahim Garba, a Daily Trust photojournalist, during a political rally in Kano.
- The harassment of Ms. Ladi Bala of NTA by Nigerian Railway Corporation MD Kayode Opeifa during coverage of a train derailment.
- The arrest of Sodeeq Atanda of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) in Ekiti over reports exposing alleged sexual harassment at FUOYE.
- The police summons issued to FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo on allegations of conspiracy, cyberbullying, and defamation.
MRA reminded the government that a February 2024 Federal High Court ruling ordered the Federal Government to investigate and prosecute all attacks against journalists.
“The Federal Government must end the pervasive culture of impunity by complying with court orders and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice,” Gbadamosi stressed.
MRA further called on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), the UN Human Rights Council, and the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to urgently engage Nigeria and demand accountability.
“Nigeria has committed itself to upholding human rights standards at both regional and global levels,” Gbadamosi said. “It must now be held accountable for its failure to live up to these commitments and protect journalists. The international community cannot afford to remain silent in the face of these attacks.”
