By Joke Kujenya
THE INTERNATIONAL Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Abuja, is sounding pressing alarms over the unexplained detention of its Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan, and reporter, Nurudeen Akewushola, by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC).
The two journalists, accompanied by legal counsel, had reported to the Centre earlier Tuesday in response to an official summons.
As of now, more than seven hours have elapsed without any communication from them or their legal team.
The ICIR disclosed that Aiyetan and Akewushola arrived at the NPF-NCC at noon on May 28, 2024.
Subsequent efforts to contact them have proved futile, raising serious concerns about their welfare and the intentions behind their detention.
Background of the Incident
THE SAGA began on May 15, 2024, when the ICIR received formal invitation letters dated April 16, 2024, from the NPF-NCC.
These letters, addressed separately to reporter Akewushola and the organization’s management, requested their presence at the Centre’s Abuja office on April 24, 2024 — a date that had already passed, highlighting a glaring discrepancy.
Signed by Commissioner of Police, Uche Ifeanyi Henry, the letters cited an investigation into alleged cyberstalking and defamation.
In response, the ICIR queried the police on the mismatched dates and requested more information on the accusations to adequately prepare for the scheduled meeting.
The NPF-NCC replied with a second set of invitations dated May 20, 2024, correcting the earlier date error but still lacking details on the allegations.
Tuesday’s Events and Continuing Detention
DESPITE THESE irregularities, ICIR staff and their lawyers noted that the duo complied with the updated directive to appear at the NPF-NCC on May 28, 2024, at noon.
The journalists and their legal representatives have not been allowed to leave the premises since their arrival, with ICIR now expressing concerns over a potential ploy by the police to unlawfully detain them under the guise of a “fact-finding” mission.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of recent amendments to Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act, specifically the modification of Section 24, which had previously been used to target journalists under charges of cyberstalking and criminal intimidation.
The amendments, enacted in February 2024, were intended to safeguard press freedom, making the current situation particularly troubling.
Potential Implications and Legal Concerns
ICIR says it is expressing suspicions that this police action may be connected to an investigative report implicating former senior police officers in a controversial land deal.
While one implicated ex-police chief has publicly announced legal action against the journalists, ICIR has not received any official court notification.
Prominent human rights attorney Femi Falana has previously denounced the misuse of the cyberstalking statute against journalists, labeling such actions as unlawful given the recent legislative changes.
This ongoing detention, therefore, raises critical questions about the adherence to due process and respect for journalistic freedoms in Nigeria.
The ICIR says it continues to call for the immediate release of Aiyetan and Akewushola, urging the authorities to respect their rights and ensure transparency in any investigative proceedings.
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