- MRA condemns the Nigeria Police Force for harassing journalists and urges President Tinubu to protect media freedom
- MRA highlights the police summons of journalist Nurudeen Yahaya Akewushola, linking it to his investigative reporting on police corruption
The Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has strongly condemned the recent harassment and intimidation of journalists and media organizations by the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC).
In a statement released yesterday, MRA’s Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, expressed deep concern over the increasing instances of harassment directed at journalists in Nigeria. The organization called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and protect media freedom, urging an end to the abuse of police power and the misuse of the Cybercrimes Act by influential individuals targeting journalists performing their constitutional duties.
MRA specifically highlighted the case of Nurudeen Yahaya Akewushola, a reporter with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR). The police summoned Akewushola and ICIR’s managing directors under allegations of cyberstalking and defamation. The police invitation, dated April 16, 2024, and delivered on May 15, demanded their appearance at the NPF-NCC in Abuja on April 24.
Adewale pointed to a potential link between the police summons and Akewushola’s investigative reporting, particularly his work uncovering corruption allegations involving former Inspectors General of Police.
He called on President Tinubu to direct the police to cease using the Cybercrimes Act to stifle journalistic freedom, emphasizing the vital role of a free and independent press in maintaining a democratic society.