The Network against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), a civil society organization, has strongly condemned the widespread arrests and abductions of investigative journalists throughout the country. This alarming trend suggests a shift toward authoritarianism, undermining the fundamental principles of democracy.
NACAT highlighted that these actions violate essential rights protected by both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights agreements. “We are appalled by the increasing arrests, detentions, and harassment of investigative journalists by the Nigerian government. This blatant attack on press freedom not only contravenes democratic principles but also breaches the rights guaranteed by our Constitution and global human rights laws,” the organization stated.
The statement, released in Abuja and signed by Operations Manager Stanley Ugagbe, emphasized that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and press. Additionally, Section 22 holds the media accountable to the public and government, essential for a healthy democracy. NACAT noted that Nigeria is a signatory to several international treaties recognizing press freedom as crucial to democracy. However, the current administration under President Bola Tinubu has shown a clear disregard for these commitments.
Since May, at least five prominent investigative journalists have reportedly faced unlawful arrests, intimidation, and threats from government agents. “As a human rights organization, we are deeply concerned that Nigeria, a nation claiming to practice democracy, is suppressing journalists’ rights and subjecting them to inhumane treatment,” NACAT stated.
The organization cited disturbing incidents, including the case of Daniel Ojukwu, a reporter for the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), who was reported missing on May 1 and later found detained for allegedly breaching the Cybercrimes Act while investigating a fraudulent government transaction.
Another journalist, Isaac Bristol of PIDOM, was abducted from a hotel in Port Harcourt on August 5 by plainclothes policemen and subjected to inhumane conditions. He described being held in solitary confinement for six days before being moved to another facility, where police demanded two civil servants with significant wealth as bail sureties—an unrealistic and corrupt requirement.
NACAT also mentioned Fisayo Soyombo, the FIJ founder, who was detained for eight hours by the National Cybercrime Centre on August 14, and is now required to report bi-weekly as a form of intimidation. Additionally, Abdulrasheed Hammad faced threats from the Department of State Services (DSS) after publishing an investigation on contaminated water in Sokoto State. Adejuwon Soyinka, a West Africa editor for The Conversation Africa, was also detained for six hours upon returning from the UK, based on unfounded passport irregularities.
These actions represent a direct assault on press freedom and a troubling step toward authoritarianism. NACAT underscored the vital role investigative journalists play in exposing corruption and holding power accountable. “They are protected by laws that uphold freedom of expression in a democracy, and any attempt to silence them is an affront to justice and human rights.”
The organization expressed disbelief that government agents can swiftly track and arrest journalists while failing to apprehend terrorists and kidnappers terrorizing the nation. “It is increasingly dangerous for Nigerians to go about their daily lives without fear of violence,” they noted.
NACAT demanded immediate justice for the detained journalists, particularly Isaac Bristol, and called for an end to attacks on press freedom, urging accountability for those responsible. They warned that if these trends persist, Nigeria could descend into lawlessness, where journalists face severe repercussions for doing their jobs.
“This is not the Nigeria we envision. It is shocking that President Bola Tinubu, who once experienced oppression, has now become an oppressor himself,” they stated. NACAT urged the President to change course, uphold the rule of law, respect the separation of powers, and allow dissenting voices within the confines of Nigerian law.
The organization called on all Nigerians and the international community to unite in defense of press freedom, seeking a society where citizens can express themselves freely, access unclassified information, and where the government remains accountable to the people. “These are the minimum standards for the society we strive to build, and we will persist until they are realized,” they concluded.