Our Reporter, Abuja
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has condemned the increasing wave of attacks, intimidation, and harassment of journalists in Nigeria, describing the trend as a grave threat to press freedom, freedom of expression, and citizens’ right to information.
The group particularly cited the recent arrest and detention of journalist Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in Kebbi State, allegedly on the orders of Governor Nasir Idris, after Hassan circulated a video showing the deplorable condition of facilities at Kangiwa General Hospital.
In the video, an elderly patient was seen lying on a bare metal bed frame without a mattress, sparking national outrage and renewed calls for accountability in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Instead of addressing the systemic neglect exposed, MRA said, the state government chose to criminalise Hassan’s work.
Eyewitnesses reported that security operatives stormed Hassan’s home on September 7, arresting him in front of his family and seizing his phones and work tools. He was first held in a local police station before being transferred to Birnin Kebbi, with authorities refusing to disclose charges or allow him access to his lawyers.
“This incident is not isolated but part of a disturbing pattern of attacks against journalists in Nigeria who are carrying out their professional duties,” said John Gbadamosi, MRA’s Programme Officer, in a statement issued in Lagos.
“The culture of impunity, enabled by government, has emboldened perpetrators, both state and non-state actors, who now attack journalists without fear of consequences.”
MRA listed other recent cases, including:
- The assault on Olatunji Adebayo, Punch correspondent, by security operatives in Ibadan in June 2025.
- The harassment of Blessing Okonkwo, a freelance journalist in Anambra, by police officers in July 2025.
- The detention and beating of Ibrahim Garba, Daily Trust photojournalist, in Kano in August 2025.
- The harassment of Ms. Ladi Bala, NTA Transport Correspondent and former NAWOJ president, by NRC Managing Director Kayode Opeifa, on August 27, 2025.
- The arrest of Sodeeq Atanda, a senior reporter with FIJ, by Ekiti State Police on September 9, 2025.
- The Police summons issued to FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo to appear in Ado-Ekiti on September 15, 2025.
The rights group urged the Federal Government to comply with a subsisting Federal High Court order of February 16, 2024, which directed it to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of attacks against journalists.
MRA also called on the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and the UN Special Rapporteurs on Freedom of Expression to engage with Nigerian authorities and demand accountability.
“Nigeria has committed itself to upholding human rights standards at both regional and global levels,” Mr. Gbadamosi said.
“It must now be held to account for its failure to protect journalists. The international community cannot afford to remain silent in the face of these attacks.”
