Our Reporter, Abuja
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) on Thursday released its 2025 Annual Report on Freedom of Expression in Nigeria, documenting 86 incidents of attacks against journalists, media organisations, and citizens, and warning of a worsening climate for free speech marked by a “reign of impunity.”
The 147-page report, titled “The Reign of Impunity,” recorded violations across 27 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, noting that none of the documented cases led to a successful investigation or prosecution, even when the acts constituted criminal offences.
According to the report, arrests and detentions remained the most frequently used tools to suppress media freedom and free expression, accounting for 38 cases — over 44 percent of all incidents recorded in 2025.
Physical violence was also widespread, with 21 cases of assault and battery representing more than 24 percent of reported incidents, making it the second most common form of attack.
The report further documented two killings during the year — one involving a journalist murdered in the line of duty, and another involving a woman killed over alleged blasphemy. Other serious violations included one case of kidnapping and the shutdown of a media outlet.
In identifying perpetrators, the Nigeria Police Force emerged as the leading violator, responsible for 41 incidents, nearly 48 percent of all recorded attacks. The Department of State Services (DSS) followed, accounting for about seven percent of cases. Combined, the two agencies were implicated in over half of all reported violations.
Lagos and Abuja recorded the highest number of incidents, with 16 and 14 attacks respectively.
MRA highlighted troubling trends, including what it described as the continued “weaponization” of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act of 2015, as amended, to target journalists and government critics. The report also raised concerns about increased use of digital surveillance tools and spyware to monitor and track media professionals.
It further accused security agencies of failing to investigate crimes against journalists and, in some instances, ignoring attacks by non-state actors or actively participating in the violent suppression of peaceful protests, during which journalists were reportedly targeted.
In the report’s preface, MRA Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, said the Nigerian media landscape continued to evolve rapidly due to digital technologies but noted that longstanding political, legal, economic, and social challenges remained deeply rooted.
He listed key obstacles facing the media sector as attacks on journalists, misuse of laws and regulatory powers, shrinking civic space, harsh economic conditions, and rising digital threats.
Mr. Ojo warned that the entrenched “culture of impunity” posed one of the greatest dangers to media freedom in Nigeria, emboldening perpetrators and fostering fear and self-censorship within the media community.
MRA called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to ensure prompt, transparent investigations into all attacks on journalists and citizens, and to make the outcomes public.
The organisation also urged the government to direct security agencies to cease harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests of journalists and citizens, particularly for peaceful expression online.
In line with the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists, MRA recommended the establishment of a national policy framework dedicated to protecting journalists, including early warning systems and rapid response mechanisms.
