IPC concerned by relentless attacks on Nigerian journalists

The IPC's Safety Alert Desk is concerned by the continued violations in Nigeria and the impact on the safety of journalists.

This statement was originally published on ipcng.org on 2 November 2022.

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, is calling on media stakeholders to work together to create a safe and enabling environment for journalists to operate in.

IPC is making the call today as journalists, other media professionals and freedom of expression groups mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists with the theme: Knowing the Truth is Protecting the Truth.

IPC believes it is unfortunate that the rise in the spate of attacks on journalists over the years remains the same, as the country continues to rank high among countries where press freedom and freedom of expression are under threat.

The IPC Safety Alert Desk is worried that, the recent database of attacks within the past ten (10) months reveals that not less than seventy (70) incidents of physical assault, harassment, threat to life, torture, kidnapping, unlawful arrest/detention, loss/damage of valuables and gadgets (camera, phones, midgets, money, etc.) among others were recorded.

Some of these cases include:

· Samuel Ogundipe and Hillary Essien of the Peoples Gazette were presented a letter from the Nigerian Intelligence Agency (NIA) demanding to state their confidential sources to stories published on the 10^th of January 2022.

Nigerian intelligence agency demands sources from Peoples Gazette news site – Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)

· Fredrick Nnaji and Chigozie Nwafor of the Enugu State Broadcasting Service (EBS) were beaten and abducted by four men while covering the elections in Enugu State on the 23^rd of February 2022.

Two Enugu state broadcaster journalists abducted, beaten while covering Nigerian elections – Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)

·  Amarachi Orjiude and Solomon Odeniyi of the Punch Newspaper were abducted and robbed respectively by gunmen in Abuja on the 13^th of March 2022.

Crimes against journalists on the rise in Nigeria – IFEX

·  Oloye Samuel of the Taraba Truth and Fact Newspaper alleged that his life was being threatened for his critical reporting of politicians in Taraba State on the 17^th of April 2022.

Nigerian newspaper publisher alleges threat to life

· Olamilekan Bashiru of the EaglesForesight online news website was detained after republishing an article about the Ogun State Governor on the 13^th of May 2022.

Nigerian journalist detained after republishing article about Ogun state governor – Committee to Protect Journalists (cpj.org)

· Tobi Adepoju was assaulted by fans of the Shooting Stars Football Club while covering their live match in Ibadan, Oyo State on the 1^st of June 2022.

3SC apologise to journalist over attack from fans (punchng.com)

· Leftist Aimeuaewonso was assaulted by a member of the Edo State House of Assembly while questioning him on action being taken to fix an abandoned road in his constituency on the 4^th of July 2022.

IPC Condemns Lawmakers Assault On Journalist, Calls For Immediate Action

· Agba Jalingo of the CrossRiver Watch was unlawfully detained after facing unwarranted harassment at his residence by Police Officials on the 19^th of August 2022.

Release Agba Jalingo immediately – IPC to Police

· Casmir Ozuruigbo was assaulted by a group of Police Officers in Lagos on the 3^rd of October 2022.

IPC Seeks Sanwo-Olu, Lagos CP’s Intervention Over Manhandling of Journalist by Police

Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade in a statement said, these were unwelcome development deserving the attention of media stakeholders.

“We are calling for an end to impunity for crimes against journalists in Nigeria. We cannot turn a blind eye to attacks against journalists. We attach the highest priority to the safety of journalists and other media actors. We oppose any action, legislation, regulation or political pressure that limits freedom of the press. Acts of intimidation and violence against journalists in Nigeria have to end for democracy to survive. Attacks against media institutions and journalists are attacks against democratic rights including the right of the public to know the truth about the way they are governed,” Arogundade said.

Mr. Arogundade called on the Presidency to mandate security operatives to carry out the necessary investigations on unresolved cases of attacks on journalists. He also said the Police force should publicly disclose what has so far been done towards unraveling the mystery behind killed journalists in Nigeria.

SGD:

Melody Lawal
Program Officer/Safety Desk Officer, IPC