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SERAP, NGE Demand Release of Dele Farotimi, End to Harassment of Journalists and Activists

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LAGOS, Nigeria – The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, have called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release human rights activist Dele Farotimi, who is currently detained on charges of criminal defamation and cybercrimes.

The groups argue that Farotimi’s detention is solely for his peaceful exercise of human rights.

In a joint statement issued during a press conference titled “Nigeria: Backsliding on Human Rights and Media Freedom” held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Shelton Hotels in Ikeja, Lagos, SERAP and NGE urged the government to also release all journalists, bloggers, and activists detained for exercising their constitutional rights.

Crackdown on Rights

Expressing concern over what they described as a growing crackdown on free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom in Nigeria, the groups warned that the government’s actions represent a “flagrant disregard for the rule of law.”

“Impunity for those who threaten, intimidate, and harass journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists exacerbates the hostile environment for these defenders of constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights in Nigeria,” the statement read.

Call for Reform

SERAP and NGE urged the government to stop weaponising laws like the Cybercrimes Act and criminal defamation statutes to suppress dissent.

The statement called for a comprehensive review and amendment of these laws to align with Nigeria’s constitutional and international human rights obligations.

“We urge President Tinubu and his administration to review laws like the Official Secrets Act, Criminal Code Act, and Cybercrimes Act for potential restrictions on free speech and press and amend them in line with international human rights standards,” the groups said.

The statement also highlighted the role of an independent and diverse media in strengthening democracy, urging regulatory agencies like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to stop imposing arbitrary fines and sanctions on media organisations.

Alarming Trends

The groups cited data from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Press Attack Tracker, which reported 110 verified attacks on journalists and media workers in 2024.

This figure surpasses the total number of attacks recorded in 2023.

The perpetrators of these abuses include state actors, security operatives, and private individuals.

Harassment has taken various forms, including physical attacks, threats, cyberbullying, and strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs).

“The suppression of the press in recent times takes various forms, ranging from extrajudicial actions to malicious prosecutions and wrongful use of both legislation and law enforcement,” the statement noted.

International Accountability

SERAP and NGE called on the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for human rights violations.

They urged global actors to pressure the government to uphold constitutional freedoms and release those detained for peaceful expression.

The groups also expressed concerns about state surveillance, the misuse of commercial spyware, and coordinated online smear campaigns targeting journalists and activists.

Specific Incidents Highlighted

Several instances of harassment and attacks on journalists were listed:

  • In Abuja, police officers used tear gas on journalists covering protests, injuring several reporters.
  • In Kano, unidentified attackers vandalised a Channels Television vehicle carrying 11 journalists.
  • In Borno State, armed police raided a regional broadcaster’s office and detained nine staff members for hours.

Strengthening Protections

The groups urged the government to provide adequate compensation and reparation for victims of rights violations, guarantee the safety of journalists, and discipline officials responsible for abuses.

Senior media leaders and civil society stakeholders attended the conference, including Richard Akinnola, President of NGE Eze Anaba, and Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, who co-signed the e-mailed statement to The Trent.

As Nigeria marks International Human Rights Day, SERAP and NGE’s urgent appeal underscores the importance of protecting freedoms that are fundamental to democracy.

The groups called on the Tinubu administration to demonstrate a genuine commitment to press freedom, uphold the rule of law, and foster an environment where journalists and activists can work without fear of reprisal.

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