The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called on the Nigerian Government to urgently comply with a February 16, 2024 judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja directing authorities to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of attacks against journalists and other media practitioners in the country.
In a statement issued to mark World Press Freedom Day, the organisation said the government’s failure to enforce the ruling more than two years later is fostering a climate of impunity and emboldening further violations against the press.
Speaking on behalf of MRA, Programme Officer Ayomide Eweje described the state of media freedom in Nigeria as “deeply concerning,” citing rising incidents of intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrests, and detention of journalists by both state and non-state actors.
“Over the past year, Nigeria has witnessed a pattern of intimidation and unlawful actions against journalists, particularly those reporting on governance, corruption, and public accountability,” she said, noting that such acts undermine both press freedom and the public’s right to information.
Eweje recalled that the judgment, delivered by Inyang Ekwo, followed a suit filed against the Attorney-General of the Federation by lawyer Mojirayo Ogunlana on behalf of MRA. The court granted multiple reliefs, including directives for the government to prevent attacks, ensure accountability, and provide remedies for victims.
Despite this, she noted that perpetrators of attacks on journalists are rarely held accountable, reinforcing a culture of impunity and weakening public trust in the rule of law.
MRA also raised concerns over the use of legal frameworks such as the Cybercrime Act to target journalists, bloggers, and media platforms, often under the justification of national security or public order.
Beyond legal pressures, the organisation highlighted economic challenges facing the media sector, including declining revenues and political or commercial interference, which it said are undermining editorial independence and limiting investigative journalism.
Eweje stressed that “a free and independent media remains essential for democratic governance and urged the government to end harassment and unlawful detention of journalists, ensure transparent investigations into attacks, and amend laws inconsistent with constitutional and international standards on freedom of expression.”
She further called for the full implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to improve access to information and strengthen accountability.
MRA also urged security agencies, regulators, and political actors to respect press freedom, particularly as the country approaches future electoral cycles.
Commending journalists working under difficult conditions, Eweje said their resilience remains critical to safeguarding democratic values and protecting citizens’ rights to information.
