BY ADEKOLA BOLUWAJI NIFEMI
Journalism in Nigeria, often dubbed one of Africa’s most vibrant media landscapes, is under siege. Despite constitutional guarantees for freedom of expression and the press, journalists in Nigeria regularly face harassment, intimidation, arrest, and even violence. The deteriorating state of press freedom not only threatens journalists’ safety but undermines Nigeria’s democratic fabric, as the media plays a vital role in holding power to account.
Legal Framework and Constitutional Guarantees
Section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the press. Nigeria is also a signatory to several international covenants, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which uphold media freedom. However, these legal provisions are often undermined in practice by vague and oppressive laws such as:
•Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015
•Criminal defamation laws
•Official Secrets Act
•Sedition laws from colonial-era statutes
These laws are frequently invoked to detain and prosecute journalists under the guise of national security, defamation, or misinformation.
Forms of Mistreatment
1. Harassment and Intimidation
Journalists covering protests, government corruption, security issues, or human rights abuses frequently report being threatened by state agents. Police and security operatives have been known to surveil, summon, and interrogate reporters without formal charges.
•In many cases, journalists receive death threats or are forced into hiding after publishing investigative reports.
•Women journalists also face gender-based harassment, including threats of sexual violence and online abuse.
2. Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions
Arrest without a warrant is a recurring method used to silence dissent. Journalists are detained for days, sometimes weeks, without access to legal counsel.
•Example: In 2022, Agba Jalingo, an investigative journalist, was detained multiple times for exposing corruption involving Cross River State officials.
•In several states, journalists have been arrested for publishing Facebook posts or tweets critical of local politicians.
3. Violence and Physical Assaults
Journalists have been beaten, tortured, or attacked by both security forces and non-state actors while on duty.
•During the #EndSARS protests in 2020, multiple reporters were assaulted by police while covering the demonstrations.
•Some journalists, especially in the conflict-ridden North-East, have been caught in crossfire or targeted by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.
4. Censorship and Media Shutdowns
The Nigerian government and regulatory bodies have increasingly clamped down on media organizations. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has fined, suspended, or shut down media houses for content considered “unpatriotic” or “inciting.”
•In 2021, the government banned Twitter after it deleted a controversial tweet by the president, leading to a broader clampdown on digital expression.
•In 2023, the NBC temporarily shut down several radio and TV stations over alleged non-compliance with license regulations, often viewed as politically motivated.
5. Online Threats and Surveillance
With the rise of digital journalism, Nigerian authorities have increased online surveillance. Journalists have reported hacking attempts, spyware infiltration, and online trolling by state-sponsored actors.
•Investigative reporters with platforms like Premium Times, TheCable, and Sahara Reporters have had their communications intercepted or leaked online in smear campaigns.
Impact on Democracy and Civic Space
This systemic targeting of journalists creates a chilling effect. Reporters self-censor, and media outlets shy away from politically sensitive stories. Investigative journalism—essential for exposing corruption and holding leaders accountable—is becoming increasingly dangerous.
•Press freedom indexes show Nigeria consistently ranking low. For instance, in the 2024 Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, Nigeria was ranked 123rd out of 180 countries.
•Civil society and whistleblower protections remain weak, limiting collaboration between journalists and activists.
Notable Cases
•Omoyele Sowore: Arrested in 2019 and repeatedly detained over his involvement in political activism and media work with Sahara Reporters.
•Jones Abiri: Detained for two years without trial under false terrorism charges before being released in 2018.
•Tega Oghenedoro (Fejiro Oliver): Arrested for investigative reporting and subjected to multiple detentions.
Calls for Reform
Human rights groups, both local and international, have urged the Nigerian government to:
•Repeal or amend repressive laws such as the Cybercrime Act and Sedition laws.
•Train security agencies on respecting media rights and avoiding excessive force.
•Strengthen institutions like the National Human Rights Commission to independently investigate abuses.
•Implement and enforce whistleblower protections.