The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has condemned the escalating repression of investigative journalists in Nigeria.
The organization expressed deep concern over the alarming trend of arrests, detentions, and harassment of journalists by the Nigerian government, describing it as a severe assault on press freedom and a violation of both national and international human rights laws.
In a strongly worded statement issued on August 28, 2024, signed by its Operations Manager, Stanley Ugagbe, NACAT highlighted that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of expression and the press, while Section 22 places a responsibility on the press to hold the government accountable. These constitutional safeguards, the organization argues, are crucial to the health of Nigeria’s democracy, and any attempt to undermine them is an affront to the rule of law.
The statement criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of disregarding Nigeria’s commitments to international treaties that protect press freedom. According to NACAT, since May 2024, at least five high-profile investigative journalists have been unlawfully arrested, detained, and subjected to intimidation by government agents.
Among the cases highlighted was that of Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who went missing on May 1 and was later found detained on allegations of violating the Cybercrimes Act after uncovering a fraudulent government transaction. Another case involved Isaac Bristol, a microblogger known for his investigative work, who was abducted from his hotel room in Port Harcourt by 15 plainclothes policemen on August 5. Bristol was allegedly subjected to inhuman treatment and is currently being held under stringent bail conditions that NACAT describes as an “invitation to corruption.”
The statement also mentioned Fisayo Soyombo, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of FIJ, who was detained by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre on August 14 and is now required to report bi-weekly, which NACAT sees as an attempt to curtail his journalistic activities. Other journalists mentioned include Abdulrasheed Hammad, who was threatened by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his investigative reporting on contaminated water in Sokoto State, and Adejuwon Soyinka, who was detained by the DSS on August 27 upon his return from the UK, allegedly over passport irregularities—a claim NACAT dismissed as a tactic to intimidate him.
NACAT expressed dismay over the Nigerian government’s ability to swiftly track and arrest investigative journalists while failing to apprehend terrorists and kidnappers who continue to terrorize the country. The organization warned that if these actions persist, Nigeria risks descending into lawlessness, where journalists are silenced or disappear for doing their job.
The statement called on President Bola Tinubu, who once fled a repressive government, to reconsider his administration’s stance and uphold the rule of law. NACAT also urged Nigerians and the international community to join in defending press freedom and promoting an open society where citizens can express themselves freely and hold the government accountable.
NACAT concluded its statement by demanding immediate justice for the detained journalists, especially Isaac Bristol, who remains in custody and called for those responsible for these violations to be held accountable. The organization vowed to continue its fight for a new society where press freedom is respected, and the government is fully accountable to the people.
