Cybercrime Act Misused Against Journalists: NGO Sounds Alarm

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.