…Condemns arrests of activists, journalists
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) have called on the government of President Bola Tinubu to immediately and unconditionally release activist Dele Farotimi, who is currently detained on charges of criminal defamation and cybercrimes.
The groups assert that Farotimi’s detention is solely due to the peaceful exercise of his human rights. They also urged the government to release all journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists detained under similar circumstances.
This call came following a press conference held today at Shelton Hotels in Ikeja, Lagos, on the theme ‘Nigeria: Backsliding on Human Rights and Media Freedom’. The event, organised jointly by SERAP and NGE to mark International Human Rights Day, highlighted concerns about the increasing suppression of freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and media freedom in Nigeria.
In their joint statement, the groups expressed alarm at the “escalating crackdown” on the rights to freedom of expression and media freedom, and the “flagrant disregard for the rule of law by Nigerian authorities.”
They also noted the growing impunity for those who threaten, intimidate, and harass journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists, which they argue exacerbates the hostile environment faced by those who defend constitutionally and internationally guaranteed human rights in Nigeria.
The statement read in part: “Nigerian authorities should safeguard, not stifle, human rights and the rule of law in the country.”
The groups called on the Nigerian authorities to cease using criminal defamation and cybercrime laws to target and attack journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists, and to stop detaining or imprisoning them for simply performing their legitimate duties.
SERAP and NGE also urged President Tinubu’s administration to publicly call on state governors, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold and ensure full respect for the rights of all citizens, including journalists and human rights defenders. They expressed concern that such individuals continue to face significant obstacles, criminal charges, and arbitrary detention for peacefully exercising their human rights.
“Impunity for violations of the human rights of journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders and activists continues to seriously impair human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and media freedom, and discourages critical reporting by the media,” the groups said.
They also raised concerns about the persistence of threats to the safety of journalists and the potential chilling effect of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) and harassment, particularly by security agencies and politicians. The statement further highlighted the growing use of invasive state surveillance, including commercial spyware, abusive legal actions, and online smear campaigns, against journalists, bloggers, and activists.
“Surveillance technology companies continue to fail to conform with international human rights standards, including the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,” the groups noted, calling for greater accountability and transparency in the export and transfer of surveillance technology.
The statement also reiterated the vital role played by journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists in documenting and reporting on human rights violations, noting that freedom of expression applies to all kinds of information and ideas, even those that may offend or disturb.
“A free, uncensored, and unhindered press is essential in any society to ensure freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the enjoyment of other human rights,” the groups emphasised.
In their appeal, SERAP and NGE urged President Tinubu and his government to ensure thorough, impartial, and transparent investigations into all allegations of human rights violations against journalists and activists, and to hold those responsible accountable. They also called for the review of restrictive laws, such as the Official Secrets Act, the Criminal Code Act, and the Cybercrime Act, which they argue limit free speech and press freedom.
“We urge the government to amend these laws in line with international human rights standards,” they said, also calling for the immediate repeal of any laws that restrict freedom of expression, media freedom, and civic space in the country.
The statement also called on the National Assembly to review and revise the Cybercrimes Act and other repressive legislation, as well as to drop any bills that would further restrict media freedom and the right to free expression.
Similarly, the groups urged state governors to ensure that security agencies cease targeting journalists, bloggers, and other media workers with arbitrary charges and closures of media outlets.
In a broader appeal, the groups urged the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for human rights violations and to encourage the government to uphold its international obligations on human rights.
The press conference was attended by senior members of the media, civil society groups, and other stakeholders, all of whom voiced concerns over the ongoing suppression of free speech and press freedom in Nigeria.
The groups pointed to a recent report from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) Press Attack Tracker, which documented 110 verified attacks on the press in 2024, surpassing the total number of press attacks recorded in 2023. The perpetrators ranged from state actors and security operatives to private individuals and unknown assailants.
Notable cases of harassment and intimidation were also highlighted, including the arrest and prolonged questioning of journalists and activists on charges of cyberstalking and defamation, as well as physical attacks, unlawful arrests, and cyberbullying.
“The continued harassment of journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders underscores the urgent need for greater protection of media freedom and human rights in Nigeria,” the groups concluded.
