Arrests, Intimidation, and Legal Maneuvering Threaten Media Freedom in the State
Against the backdrop of World Press Freedom Day, the National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity has raised the alarm bells over the deteriorating state of press freedom in Kwara State.
The advocacy group observed that the once-vibrant media landscape has become increasingly fraught with challenges as journalists face a barrage of suppression tactics, including arrests, intimidation, and legal harassment.
In a press statement signed by Mr.Gbolahan Balogun, the Steerer, Ruwanzafi deck - the zone comprising Kwara, Kogi and parts of Osun states, - the association said recent incidents paint a troubling picture of a hostile environment confronting journalists in the state.
“From arbitrary detentions to baseless criminal charges, media practitioners find themselves at the receiving end of government crackdowns aimed at silencing dissent and stifling independent reporting.
“One such case involves Salihu Ayatullahi and Adisa-Jaji Azeez, Editors-in-Chief and Managing Editor of Informant247, who were arrested and charged under Nigeria's Cybercrimes Act and the penal code for their investigative work uncovering alleged corruption within Kwara State Polytechnic.
“The charges against them carry the ominous threat of lengthy prison sentences, highlighting the perilous landscape journalists navigate in their pursuit of truth and accountability.
“But Ayatullahi and Azeez are not alone in their ordeal. Over the past two years, a litany of similar cases has emerged, each serving as a chilling reminder of the perils journalists face in Kwara State.
“From the detention of Abdulrasheed and Dare Akogun on accusations of defamation through a WhatsApp platform to the incarceration of Abdulrazaq Aiyelabegan and Oluwatoyin Lukman following their reporting on government affairs, the pattern of harassment is clear.
In response to “egregious violations of press freedom”, the association urged other advocacy groups to speak out against the crackdown on journalists, stressing the importance of protecting their rights and creating an environment where they can work without fear of reprisal.
“As the world marks World Press Freedom Day, the plight of journalists in Kwara State serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing press freedom globally.
“With advocates and civil society groups amplifying their calls for action, the hope remains that journalists will be able to carry out their crucial work unhindered and unafraid in the pursuit of truth”
It called on the state government to uphold its commitment to democratic principles by respecting freedom of expression and the press, emphasizing the vital role journalists play in holding power to account, promoting transparency, and safeguarding democracy.
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