House of Reps Cautions on Incessant Arrest and Detention of Journalists

Oru Leonard 

On the 11th of July, thecable.ng reports that the House of Representatives asked security agencies to stop the “incessant” arrest and detention of journalists. The lower legislative chamber passed the resolution during plenary, following the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance titled: ‘Need to Curtail the Incessant and Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Journalists by Law Enforcement Agencies’.

According to the report, “The motion that was sponsored by Clement Jimbo, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika federal constituency of Akwa Ibom, noted that there has been a spike in the clampdown on journalists by security operatives in the last one year.

“In February, Kasarachi Aniagolu, a journalist with the Whistler Newspaper in Abuja, was arrested and detained for several hours. In March, Segun Olatunji, then editor of FirstNews, was abducted in Lagos.

“On May 1, Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was detained by the police for 10 days after he was “abducted” by officers in Lagos.

“On May 14, Jamil Mabai, a freelance journalist, was detained by the Katsina Hisbah religious police after being invited to “interview their spokesperson”.

“On May 23, Madu Onuorah, publisher and editor-in-chief of Globalupfront Newspaper, was arrested and detained in Abuja.

“On May 28, the police detained Dayo Aiyetan, executive director of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), and Nurudeen Akewushola, a reporter.

“Moving the motion, Jimbo said press freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in the constitution and must be obeyed.

“The lawmaker said journalists are being “unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed” for carrying out their professional duties by law enforcement agencies “relying on the offense of cyber-stalking within the Cybercrimes Act, 2015”.

“Jimbo told his colleagues that the frequent arrest of journalists may limit investigative and independent journalism.

“The motion was unanimously adopted when it was put to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

“Consequently, the house said 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 Green Chamber asked the 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 right”.

“The lower legislative chamber also resolved to conduct inquiries into recent cases of detention of journalists and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom. The house mandated the committees on national security to ensure compliance.” The Cable reports.

Similarly, on the 6th of August, the Committee to Protect Journalists called on Nigerian authorities to investigate reports that dozens of journalists were assaulted, harassed, and detained while covering cost-of-living protests, which began on August 1.
According to the report, “CPJ is investigating multiple incidents including one in the capital Abuja on August 3, where masked security forces fired bullets and teargas at several journalists wearing “Press” vests and their media-branded cars at the national stadium.

“Attacks on the press have been reported across the country since July 31, including by unidentified assailants who smashed the windows of a Channels Television-branded bus carrying 11 journalists and a car carrying two journalists in the northern city of Kano and others who assaulted journalists while they were reporting in southern Delta State, as well as police arrests of reporters in Maiduguri in northeastern Borno State.” It said.

Despite the House of Representative resolution cautioning security agents on the incessant arrest and detention of Journalists on the 20th and 25th of September another four Journalists, namely: Rowland Olonishua of The Herald Newspaper, Seun Odunlami of the Newsjaunts, Wale Olurotimi of The National Monitor and Precious Eze were arrested and remanded on the 27th of September in Ikoyi Correctional center till the 4th of October, 2024 by the Federal High Court, Ikoyi Lagos.

It is therefore instructive to note that, journalists play a crucial role in society by informing the public through accurate and unbiased reporting, holding those in power accountable through investigative journalism by promoting transparency and openness in government, institutions and also facilitating public debate and discourse on critical issues as well as protecting democracy and human rights through watchdog journalism.

Press suppression has far-reaching implications on any society, including the erosion of press freedom, increased authoritarianism and dictatorship, threats to security and stability as well as undermining human rights and democracy.

As the Committee on Public Petitions investigates the matter concerning GTCO and its CEO, one thing is clear: this case represents a chilling intersection of power, influence, and alleged press suppression.

The outcome will be a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic values and the protection of journalists’ rights. Only time will tell if justice will prevail.