Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, celebrated government’s commitment to press freedom despite evidence to the contrary. Making this bold proclamation during a press briefing held on Friday, the Minister stated that since Bola Tinubu assumed office as President on May 29, 2023, no journalist has been detained in Nigeria.
The occasion for this declaration was a press briefing jointly organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the Federal Ministry of Environment and Ecological Management, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to mark the 2024 World Press Freedom Day. Idris further claimed that Tinubu’s administration had fostered the most conducive environment for journalists, offering unparalleled freedoms.
Idris emphasized, “I have not seen somebody in the life of this administration, for example, who has been put in jail, or who has gone into exile as a result of press freedom.” He highlighted the strides made, contrasting them with the historical context of Nigerian journalism, suggesting a newfound freedom.
However, these assertions stand in stark contrast to recent events reported by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). According to FIJ, at least 11 journalists have been arrested and detained by state actors since Tinubu took office.
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One of the most recent cases highlighted by FIJ is the abduction of Daniel Ojukwu, an FIJ reporter, by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Inspector General of Police. Ojukwu was reportedly detained for violating the 2015 Cybercrime Act, with the police disclosing his location at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, three days after his disappearance.
Another case mentioned is that of Segun Olatunji, editor of FirstNews, who was reportedly arrested by a combination of heavily armed military personnel and other operatives in plain clothes, detained for 14 days, and allegedly subjected to traumatic conditions.
Kasarahchi Aniagolu, a journalist with The Whistler Newspaper, was allegedly arrested and detained by the anti-violent crime unit of the police, enduring physical assault and threats.
Achadu Gabriel, a reporter with Daybreak newspaper, faced detention and arraignment on charges of defamation and intimidation following his report on conditions at the Kaduna Hajj Camp.
Godwin Tsa, a journalist with the Sun Newspaper, was reportedly assaulted, arrested, and confined to a cell typically reserved for criminals while covering a peaceful protest.
Precious Eze, an online publisher and journalist, was reportedly arrested at his residence, his communication devices seized.
Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez, editors at Informant247, were arrested and accused of conspiracy and cyberstalking.
Saint Mienpamo, Managing Director of NAIJA Live TV, faced detention following his conviction on charges of cyberstalking.
Abdulrazaq Babatunde and Lukman Bolakale, publishers of Just Events Online and Satcom Media respectively, were arrested on orders allegedly from Kwara State Government officials.
These incidents, detailed by FIJ, present a stark contradiction to the Minister’s claims of press freedom under the Tinubu administration.
The Minister’s assertions, while optimistic, appear to be at odds with the reported experiences of journalists on the ground. Nigerians therefore question whether indeed the government is truly committed to press freedom. As such, the Minister’s statements have sparked significant debate and scrutiny within Nigeria’s media landscape, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding press freedom and the protection of journalists in the country.
Source: Fiji