ICIR Journalists, Lawyers Detained Hours after Invitation: A Disturbing Echo of Press Intimidation in Nigeria

By Adeyemi Adekunle

The continuous detention of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan, and reporter, Nurudeen Akewushola, by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC) has raised alarms about press freedom in Nigeria.

The journalists, accompanied by their lawyers, have been held for over eight hours, following an invitation from the NPF-NCC earlier today, May 28, 2024.

The ICIR has voiced serious concerns over this detainment, suspecting that the NPF-NCC might be attempting to silence its investigative reporting through intimidation and unlawful detention.

The Sequence of Events: A Timeline of Escalating Concerns

The current ordeal began on May 15, 2024, when the ICIR received letters of invitation for Akewushola and its “Managing Directors” from the NPF-NCC. Signed by Commissioner of Police Uche Ifeanyi Henry, the letters requested their presence at the Centre’s Abuja office on April 24, 2024 – a date that had already passed by the time the letters were delivered.

In response, the ICIR requested clarification on the allegations of cyberstalking and defamation of character and the bizarre discrepancy in dates.

The NPF-NCC subsequently issued a second set of letters dated May 20, 2024, adjusting the appearance date to May 27. After further negotiations, the date was finalized for May 28 at noon.

The Detainment: An Ominous Silence

Despite complying with the invitation, Aiyetan, Akewushola, and their legal representatives have remained incommunicado since their arrival at the NPF-NCC office. This prolonged silence has prompted the ICIR to fear a potential misuse of power by the authorities, despite the “fact-finding” nature of the invitation.

“We are worried that this could be a ploy by the Police to detain them, despite the NPF-NCC’s assurance that it is a fact-finding invitation,” stated Bamas Victoria, Editor of the ICIR.

Background: A Clash with Authority

The core of this confrontation appears rooted in the ICIR’s investigative work, which recently uncovered links between former police officials and a dubious land deal. Although one implicated former police boss has declared legal action, the ICIR has yet to receive formal notice of any lawsuit.

Further compounding the issue is the context of recent legal amendments. In February 2024, the Nigerian parliament amended the Cybercrime Act, specifically Section 24, which had previously been used to target journalists under charges of cyberstalking and criminal intimidation.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the police’s reliance on these charges, labeling such actions as unlawful in light of the recent amendments.

Implications for Press Freedom

The detention of Aiyetan and Akewushola is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of press intimidation in Nigeria. Over the years, journalists have faced harassment, arrests, and violence for their work, particularly those who expose corruption and misconduct among powerful entities.

The ICIR’s predicament underscores the fragility of press freedom in Nigeria and the lengths to which authorities might go to suppress investigative journalism. Such actions not only violate individual rights but also undermine the democratic fabric of society by stifling the free flow of information.

National and International Reactions

The international community and local civil rights organizations have increasingly spotlighted Nigeria’s track record on press freedom. This latest incident is likely to attract further scrutiny and potentially provoke diplomatic pressure.

Falana’s involvement hints at the legal battle ahead. His firm stance that the detainment is unlawful sets the stage for a significant legal confrontation, potentially escalating the issue to the forefront of national discourse.

What’s Next?

As the hours tick by with no word from Aiyetan, Akewushola, or their lawyers, the urgency for their release grows. The ICIR has called for immediate action, demanding transparency and accountability from the NPF-NCC.

“Our reporters must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of unlawful detention or intimidation,” Victoria emphasized.

A Test of Integrity and Freedom

The current tussle between ICIR Journalists and the NPF-NCC transcends mere courtroom proceedings; it represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s stance on press freedom and the sanctity of the rule of law.

This case serves as a litmus test for the nation’s dedication to upholding fundamental freedoms and ensuring that justice prevails. The outcome of this legal tussle has far-reaching implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader landscape of media rights and legal accountability within Nigeria.

It stands as a crucial juncture in assessing the country’s unwavering commitment to democratic principles and the protection of civil liberties.

As the world watches, the outcome of this situation will likely reverberate through the corridors of power and influence the future of investigative journalism in Nigeria.