A Nigerian coalition of media and civil society group; The Action Group on the Protection of Civic Actors, has protested the protracted detention of a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Daniel Ojukwu, demanding for his freedom.
Ojukwu had gone missing on May 1, in Lagos state but it was later discovered that he was detained and held in a police station for reportedly flouting Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, (an Act that has often received criticisms for being a tool for censorship).
According to his employer, Ojukwu’s arrest (who was eventually transferred to the Nigerian capital of Abuja) had come after his report on the alleged financial mismanagement of over N147 million ($104,600) involving a senior government official.
Ojukwu’s prolonged detention has triggered calls for his freedom.
On Thursday, April 9, the coalition stormed the Force Headquarters in Abuja to demand for Ojukwu’s release.
While addressing journalists, the spokesperson of the group, Bukky Shonibare, remarked that the recent surge in attacks on press freedom and the suppression of differing voices were now becoming alarming.
Shonibare had said that after forcefully arresting Ojukwu and detaining hum for nine days on the alleged orders of the inspector general of police, the police were long overdue and duty bound to to file charges against him or release him unconditionally.
More details on this report later….
Why It Matters
Detaining someone for nine days without filing charges violates their right to a fair and speedy trial, as enshrined in international human rights laws.
It also deprives the individual of their liberty and due process, potentially leading to psychological distress and harm.
In this case, however, the detainment appears to be a form of retribution against Ojukwu’s journalistic work, undermining his freedom of expression and the press, which are fundamental pillars of a democratic society.
The right to Freedom of expression, including journalism, is an often suppressed right in Nigeria due to various factors:
- Restrictive Laws: Enacted laws like the Cybercrime Act can be used to target journalists who investigate sensitive topics, leading to them being harassed, arrested, or imprisonment.
- Corruption: Corruption is so entrenched in Nigeria that journalists who expose corruption among government officials or in other sectors do so with the risk of facing retaliation, censorship or even worse.
- Economic Challenges: So many media organizations in Nigeria struggle financially, and in light of the present economic situation, it can make them more predisposed to be easily influenced or pressured from advertisers or government officials, leading to self-censorship.
Bottom Line:
When people can’t freely express their minds or report news in Nigeria, it affects democracy. Without freedom of expression and journalism, it becomes hard to hold leaders accountable.
This lack of openness makes it hard to discuss important issues and dissuades the layman from finding out about any evil misdeeds. As a result, people lose their trust in the government and other similar institutions.
