By Joke Kujenya
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the continued detention of four Nigerian journalists facing cybercrime allegations.
The arrests highlight growing concerns about press freedom in Nigeria.
On September 20, police in Lagos arrested Olurotimi Olawale, editor of National Monitor, and Precious Chukwunonso, publisher of a private news platform.
A week later, Rowland Olonishuwa, a reporter with the Herald in Kwara state, and Seun Odunlami, publisher of Newsjaunts in Ogun state, were also taken into custody.
The four journalists were charged on September 27 with violating sections 24(1)(b) and 27 of the Cybercrimes Act.
They were arraigned in a Lagos federal court over a report accusing Segun Agbaje, CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), of being involved in alleged fraud worth N1 trillion (approximately US$600 million).
They pleaded not guilty and were remanded in a Lagos correctional center, awaiting a bail hearing scheduled for October 4.
Despite police demands to retract their articles, the House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the case.
However, the journalists have remained in custody as the charges have been amended to include 10 counts.
Furthermore, the new allegations involve making “false and misleading” claims on social media, intending to “extort” and “threaten” GTB’s management and damaging the bank’s reputation.
Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa programme, urged the Nigerian authorities to release the detained journalists, warning that the additional charges send a chilling message to the press in Nigeria.
The CPJ continues to advocate for press freedom and the protection of journalists facing intimidation and legal challenges.
