Reps move to protect journalists against arbitrary arrest, detention

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja

The House of Representatives has kicked against unlawful arrests and detention of journalists in the country by law enforcement agencies.

Consequently, the House urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to charge anyone, including journalists, to court, in line with Section 24 of Cybercrime Act 2015, if they violate the law, rather than depriving them of their constitutional rights.

Also, the Green chamber resolved to enact a law to enhance press freedom, as well as investigate “recent cases of journalist detention and engage in diplomatic efforts to pressure government to respect press freedom.”

The House, while cautioning security agencies against unlawful arrests and detention of journalists, noted that “protecting the rights of journalists is not only important for upholding democracy, but, also, for safe-gaurding the principles of free speech and human rights.” This followed the adoption of a motion by Clement Jimbo, “on need to curtail the incessant and unlawful arrest and detention of journalists by law enforcement agencies”, at yesterday’s plenary.

Jimbo, in his motion, noted that press freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 subsection (1) of the 1999 Constitution ( as Amended). He added that the Constitution  “guarantees journalists the ability to report news without fear of arrest or persecution.”

Besides, the lawmaker stated that press freedom is crucial to democracy, as it helps to hold government accountable, as well as ensuring transparency in government. Nevertheless, Jimbo stated that “there has been a troubling increase in the number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed for carrying out their professional duties, relying on the offence of Cyber-Stalking within the Cyber Crimes Act, 2015.

“In recent times, between 2015 and 2024, there has been incessant unwarranted arrest, unlawful detention and several other forms of harassment and intimidation meted on, at least, 25 journalists, in the course of their duty, which is threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy, and culminating in a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.”

He said the arrest of a journalist, Daniel Ojukwu, in March 2024 “was most disturbing as his commando-style arrest came barely 43 hours after this year’s World Press Day. Actions like this has led to international opinion rating Nigeria as one of West African’s most dangerous places to practice by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).”

He added earlier this year, the “President signed the Amended Act with a substantial adjustment on section 24, which listed what constitutes cyber-stalking and provided the punishment for such.” The lawmaker further stated that security agencies have neglected the amendment to Cyber Crimes Act, as they have continued their clampdown on free speech.

Jimbo added that “regrettably, at least 10 journalists have been arrested in the past one year and 15 of them in the last regime.

Apart from this arrest of journalists and its consequences, it may lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in the country’s media space, and this fourth republic democracy will be impugned by her admirers due to the excesses of those perpetuating this act of arbitrary absolutism.”