The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has strongly condemned the increasing harassment and intimidation of journalists across Nigeria.
It warned that the rising climate of impunity posed a grave threat to press freedom and democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The association said its concerns stem from a series of troubling incidents, including the recent summoning of three journalists from Alimosho Today, a community news outlet in Lagos, by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the rights group revealed that the journalists- Wisdom Okezie, a former reporter, Ayomide Eweje, the managing editor, and Oluwamodupe Akinola, the publisher, were summoned to appear at the Zone 2 Command office on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.
“The summonses were reportedly issued through letters dated August 22, 2024, signed by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Martin Nwogoh on behalf of the AIG.
“Notably, the letters did not disclose the identity of the complainant or the nature of the inquiry, raising serious concerns about the intentions behind the questioning,” it said.
HURIWA criticized this development, warning that such actions fostered a “climate of impunity” where journalists were increasingly targeted for fulfilling their duties.
The association accused the police of being used as a tool by public officials and powerful individuals to silence the press.
It condemned the growing trend of security agencies using complaints about media reports as a pretext to arrest, detain, or charge journalists without verifying the accuracy of their stories
