The House of Representatives has moved to stop the incessant arrests and unlawful detention of Journalists by law enforcement agents in Nigeria.
The move is sequel to a motion on “The Need to Curtail the Incessant and Unlawful Arrest And Detention of Journalists by Law Enforcement Agencies” moved by Rep. Clement Jimbo.
The House will send a very strong warning to perpetrators of the unwholesome act and make it abundantly clear that protecting the rights of journalists is not only important for upholding democracy but also for safeguarding the principles of free speech and human rights.
The House also urged the Nigerian Police and other law enforcement agencies to cautiously and democratically rely on Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 as amended and/or charge anyone including journalists to court if they have violated any law of the land instead of depriving them of their constitutional rights.
It similarly urged the House to pass laws to strengthen press freedom protections, as well as conduct inquiries into recent cases of journalist detention, and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.
Jimbo said that “The House notes that freedom of the press is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 subsection (1) of the 1999 constitution as amended which guarantees Journalists the ability to report news without fear of arrest or persecution.
“Aware that freedom of the press is sine qua non of democracy, it serves as an essential ingredient for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency. Moreover, Journalism practice is regarded as the fourth estate of the realm.
“Further notes that there has been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties relying on the offense of cyber-stalking within the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
“Observes that in recent times, between 2015 and 2024 there has been incessant unwarranted arrest, unlawful detention, and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted on at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty, which is threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy, and culminating into a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.
“Acknowledges that earlier this year 2024 the President signed the amended Act with a substantial adjustment on section 24, which listed what constitutes cyber-stalking and provided the punishment for such. The law enforcement agents neglected this aspect and continued their clampdown on free speech. Regrettably, at least 10 Journalists have been arrested in the past year, and 15 of them in the last regime.
“Concerned that apart from this arrest of Journalists and its consequences, it may lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space, and this fourth republic democracy will be impugned by her admirers due to the excesses of those perpetuating this act of arbitrary absolutism.
“Worried that the arrest in March 2024 of Mr. Ojukwu, in particular, was most disturbing as his commando-style arrest came barely 43 hours after this year’s World Press Day. Actions like this have led to international opinion rating Nigeria as one of West Africa’s most dangerous place to practice by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).”
The motion was referred to the Committees on National Security for compliance.
Emmanuel Ukoh
