…calls for release of detained journalists
By Nafiu Toyin Abdulqadri
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on the Nigerian government to reform any law criminalising press freedom. The committee condemned the ongoing detention of four Nigerian journalists who reported on alleged fraud involving Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) CEO Segun Agbaje. Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami were arrested in September and charged with violating the Cybercrimes Act.
Olawale, editor of National Monitor newspaper, and Chukwunonso, publisher of News Platform, were arrested on September 20. Olonishuwa, reporter with Herald newspaper and publisher of News Hub, and Odunlami, publisher of Newsjaunts, were arrested on September 25. The journalists were initially charged with violating sections 24(1)(b) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act. Meanwhile, the new charges include making “false and misleading allegations” on social media with intent to “extort” and “threaten” GTB management.
Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program, urged Nigerian authorities to release the journalists and end the criminalization of the press.
The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the alleged fraud, despite the police compelling the journalists to remove their articles. If convicted, the journalists face up to 14 years in prison under the criminal code and five years with a fine of 15 million naira under the Cybercrimes Act.