• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Monday, August 11, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

Cybercrime Act Misused Against Journalists: NGO Sounds Alarm

Martins Nwakaji by Martins Nwakaji
June 22, 2024
in National
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
0
Cybercrime Act Misused Against Journalists: NGO Sounds Alarm
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram

A non-governmental organization affiliated with the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle the recent surge in assaults on the media, which includes the troubling rise in the arrest and harassment of journalists.

The organization has also urged the Nigerian government to cease exploiting the amended Cybercrime Act of 2024 as a means to target journalists and media personnel who are fulfilling their essential role as watchdogs.

In a statement to journalists during the inaugural media gathering on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer of the Center, Lucy James Abagi, who also serves as the Director of Partnerships and Innovation, warned that the persistent attacks on press freedom could undermine the democratic process in the nation.

Abagi denounced the arrest and inhumane treatment of Segun Olatunji for exposing alleged corruption involving the president’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, labeling it as barbaric and a threat to press freedom and the integrity of the nation’s democratic system.

“The media and journalism are vital components of any democratic society. Today, our discourse must address a pressing concern that jeopardizes the very foundation of our democratic society: the escalating arrests and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria. The recent incarceration of investigative journalist Daniel Ojukwu, detained without charge for over a week, serves as a stark reminder of the hostile environment independent media faces. Ojukwu’s arrest, subsequent to his revelations of corruption implicating senior Nigerian officials, underscores the risks faced by those who challenge authority.

These incidents are not isolated. The detention of journalists like Segun Olatunji, who was apprehended and mistreated for exposing alleged corruption by the president’s chief of staff, reflects a broader trend of oppression. Such actions endanger press freedom and compromise our democracy. Thus far in 2024, our partners at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) have documented over 34 cases of arrests nationwide. We are increasingly troubled by the misuse of the Cybercrime Act to suppress the media and civil society at large.

At PPDC, we stand in solidarity with journalists and media entities, acknowledging their crucial role in fostering transparency and accountability. We call upon the Nigerian government to uphold the rights of journalists, ensure their safety, and cultivate an environment where the media can operate freely and without fear.

Additionally, Senior Communications Officer Mercy Don Igwe voiced apprehensions regarding the mounting crackdown on journalists who are demanding accountability from the government and its officials. She affirmed that PPDC will stand in unity with journalists and media organizations facing threats and censorship, emphasizing the imperative for the Nigerian government to protect press freedom and guarantee the safety of journalists who risk their lives to uncover the truth.

“In the present-day Nigeria, the media’s function in advancing transparency and accountability is more pivotal than ever,” asserted Jubril Shittu, CEO of PPDC. “Events such as these underscore our dedication to empowering journalists and safeguarding media freedom on a global scale.”

The event also included a panel discussion titled “Unwavering in the Face of Censorship: The Power of Resilient Reporting,” which shed light on the challenges journalists encounter and strategies to uphold journalistic integrity amidst censorship pressures.

The panel comprised esteemed speakers who shared their experiences and insights on navigating adversarial environments to report truthfully. The discourse underscored the vital role of media entities in protecting journalists and fostering an atmosphere of transparency and accountability within the industry, “Mercy elaborated.

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) is a non-governmental organization and social enterprise motivated by the aspiration for a more transparent and accountable government, as well as increased citizen engagement in governance processes. Our initiatives are crafted to promote values and endeavors that instigate institutional, behavioral, and systemic transformation in our society.

Tags: nigeriaTinubu
Martins Nwakaji

Martins Nwakaji

Related Posts

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts
National

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts

7 hours ago
Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding
National

Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding

8 hours ago
Lagos state govt orders compulsory inspection of all e-hailing vehicles
National

Lagos state govt orders compulsory inspection of all e-hailing vehicles

1 day ago
CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria
National

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

1 day ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts
National

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts

7 hours ago
Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding
National

Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding

8 hours ago
Lagos state govt orders compulsory inspection of all e-hailing vehicles
National

Lagos state govt orders compulsory inspection of all e-hailing vehicles

1 day ago
CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria
National

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

1 day ago
FG call on US to engage Nigerians on new visa rules
National

FG call on US to engage Nigerians on new visa rules

2 days ago
Abuja hospital denies charging late Senator in dollars
National

Abuja hospital denies charging late Senator in dollars

2 days ago

POLITICS

Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election

ADC boasts of growing membership strength in Rivers, at 800,000 and counting

8 hours ago
Wike introducing `chaoticʼ politics in Rivers, we don’t know which party he belongs – Tonye Cole

Wike introducing `chaoticʼ politics in Rivers, we don’t know which party he belongs – Tonye Cole

8 hours ago
2027: Individuals’ coalition cannot defeat Tinubu, except parties – Shekarau

2027: Individuals’ coalition cannot defeat Tinubu, except parties – Shekarau

1 day ago
PDP must expel Wike, Ortom, others, for anti-party activities — Lamido

PDP must expel Wike, Ortom, others, for anti-party activities — Lamido

2 days ago
Coalition’s ADC takes over of PDP structures in North East

Zamfara: ADC call on President Tinubu to retrieve N56m tax collected by bandits

2 days ago
Peter Obi, El-Rufai Granted Waiver Ahead 2027 Election

APC’s plan to divide ADC into factions won’t work – Ganduje’s ex-aide

1 week ago

YOUR ECONOMY

Largest shea butter refinery in Africa begins operation in Niger State
Economy

Largest shea butter refinery in Africa begins operation in Niger State

2 days ago
Afreximbank signs $4bn refinancing loan for Dangote refinery
Economy

Afreximbank signs $4bn refinancing loan for Dangote refinery

6 days ago
High Interest Rate Tops Business Constraints in Nigeria
Economy

High Interest Rate Tops Business Constraints in Nigeria

2 weeks ago
Naira depreciates against dollar twice in one week
Economy

Naira depreciates against dollar twice in one week

3 weeks ago
Dangote Refinery Drops Pump Prices Again with a Price Range between 875 and ₦905 Nationwide
Economy

Dangote Refinery Targets 700,000 BPD Capacity by Year-End

3 weeks ago
Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally
Economy

Nigerian Stock Market Gains N833bn as Dangote, BUA Lead Rally

3 weeks ago

E & P

NPFL Suspends S’Eagles Goalkeeper Over Betting Allegations
Sports

NPFL Suspends S’Eagles Goalkeeper Over Betting Allegations

by Tammy Opoki
1 day ago
0

Super Eagles goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has been suspended from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following allegations of insider betting....

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

CAF Ranking: Rivers United Emerged Top club in Nigeria

1 day ago
National Youth Games: NSC  Give Asaba Facilities  Pass Mark, Confirms Date

National Youth Games: NSC  Give Asaba Facilities  Pass Mark, Confirms Date

1 day ago
Inter Milan Target Ademola Lookman in €40m Transfer Bid

Arsenal Legend Backs Move for Lookman Amid Transfer Talks

5 days ago
Rivers swan congratulates d’tigress, urge RSG to build more basketball courts

Rivers swan congratulates d’tigress, urge RSG to build more basketball courts

6 days ago
Breaking News: Hansi Flick interested in signing Ademola Lookman to Barcelona 

Ademola Lookman submits transfer for possible exit from Atalanta

1 week ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

Tribute to Old Port Harcourt Boy (Peter Rufai)
Columns

Tribute to Old Port Harcourt Boy (Peter Rufai)

by Tammy Opoki
3 weeks ago
A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent
Columns

A Democracy Strained: Buhari’s Human Rights Record and the Repression of Dissent

by Odini Brains
4 weeks ago
El-Rufai Plans New Party as ADC Backup Against APC Interference
Columns

The Shadow Strategist: El-Rufai, the Illusion of Power, and 2027’s Looming Reckoning

by Odini Brains
1 month ago
Columns

Kidnapped, Silenced, Vindicated: The Full Impact of Kanu’s Judgment

by Odini Brains
1 month ago
The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality
Columns

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality

by Kiikpoye Karibo
2 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts

Child hunger and deaths in Katsina nine times worse than Gaza — Experts

August 11, 2025
Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding

Flood Alert: FG warns 15 northern states of potential flooding

August 11, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address