The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised alarm over the increasing harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria. The group condemned the actions, citing a threat to press freedom and democracy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
HURIWA highlighted a recent incident where three journalists from Alimosho Today were summoned by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command in Lagos. The group expressed concerns over the lack of transparency in the summonses and the growing trend of targeting journalists for carrying out their duties.
The association listed several alarming cases where journalists were detained, assaulted, and arrested under questionable charges, signaling a dangerous pattern of repression. HURIWA called on the government to uphold press freedom, respect the rule of law, and protect the rights of media professionals to prevent further deterioration of democracy.
Furthermore, HURIWA urged civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and foreign governments to stand in solidarity with Nigerian journalists and hold the Tinubu administration accountable for its actions against the press.