Global Rights Demands Immediate Release Of Journalists Wrongfully Detained By GTBank
Oru Leonard
Global Rights has called for the immediate and unconditional release of four journalists detained since September 2024 by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and its CEO.
The organization is demanding that all charges against the journalists be dropped and that they be compensated for the damage done to their reputations and freedom.
In a statement on January 14, 2025, Abiodun Baiyewu, Executive Director of Global Rights, condemned the unlawful detention of Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, journalists who have been wrongfully imprisoned simply for doing their jobs.
Baiyewu emphasized that this case goes beyond the fate of the individuals involved.
This is a fight for press freedom and the very essence of democracy in Nigeria.
Global Rights has also called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria to uphold the country’s constitution by dismissing any criminal cases that infringe on fundamental rights, including freedom of expression and press freedom.
The organization also demands the repeal of laws that criminalize defamation, laws that have long been used as a weapon to silence critics and suppress dissent.
In the statement, Baiyewu noted the contradiction between Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to freedom of the press (Section 22) and freedom of expression (Section 39) and the laws that allow for the criminalization of defamation and other offences.
These laws are inconsistent with constitutional guarantees and must be declared void. She said.
The charges against the journalists include accusations of spreading “false and misleading allegations” and causing harm to GTBank’s reputation.
Global Rights has described these charges as a misuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and criminal code, tools that have been weaponized to silence criticism and undermine democracy.
With the threat of draconian penalties, up to 14 years in prison, looming over the journalists, Global Rights has called on the Nigerian government and the public to recognize the dangers of impunity and demand an end to the persecution of the press.
As 2025 unfolds, the Nigerian judiciary, legislature, and law enforcement must prioritize the protection of press freedom. Baiyewu said.
It is time to reject complicity and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic values for the future.
(Quality TV News Channel)
