Press Freedom Groups Fault Shettima’s Remarks, Urge Tinubu to Tackle Attacks on Journalists
Oru Leonard
A coalition of Nigerian and international press freedom organisations has raised concerns over recent remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima, which suggested that journalists have not faced harassment since the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office.
In a joint letter dated April 1, 2026, addressed to the President, the organisations described the Vice President’s statement as inaccurate and reflective of a lack of recognition of ongoing threats to press freedom in Nigeria.
The groups—including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, International Press Centre, Media Rights Agenda, and International Press Institute—cited multiple documented cases of harassment, arrests, and attacks against journalists since 2023.
They referenced a February 27 State House statement in which Shettima reportedly told members of the Nigerian Press Council that no harassment of journalists had been recorded in the past three years, while also describing the current administration as supportive of the media.
However, the organisations countered this claim with data. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, several journalists have been detained without warning and subjected to mistreatment in custody, with some prosecuted over allegations such as criminal defamation and cybercrime.
The letter also highlighted that at least 56 journalists were reportedly assaulted or harassed while covering the #EndBadGovernance protests in August 2024, with some facing gunfire and tear gas from security forces.
Further statistics cited include 65 documented attacks on journalists in 2024 by the International Press Centre and 86 incidents recorded in 2025 by Media Rights Agenda. The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development said it had verified no fewer than 231 press freedom violations since the current administration assumed office.
The groups also raised concerns over longstanding cases, including the death of journalist Onifade Emmanuel Pelumi, who died in 2020 after being seen in police custody. They noted that his body has yet to be returned to his family years later.
The organisations called on President Tinubu to ensure accountability for past and present abuses against journalists, reform laws that could criminalise journalism, and guarantee a safe environment for media professionals ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They warned that periods leading up to elections in Nigeria have historically seen increased attacks on journalists and urged the government to take proactive steps to safeguard press freedom and democratic processes.
The letter was signed by prominent media advocates, including Angela Quintal, Busola Ajibola, Edetaen Ojo, Lanre Arogundade, and Musikilu Mojeed.
