Rights group for pressmen condemn police harassment of FIJ journalists
The Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, HRJN, has condemned what it described as a systematic campaign of intimidation against investigative journalists affiliated with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, FIJ, following a series of police actions targeting members of the newsroom.
In a statement released Wednesday, HRJN criticised the Nigeria Police Force for the recent summons of FIJ founder, Fisayo Soyombo, who has been ordered to appear before the Ekiti State Police Command on September 15, over allegations of conspiracy, criminal defamation, cyberbullying, and blackmail.
The summons, as gathered by DAILY POST, follows a September 9th arrest and nearly 11-hour detention of another senior reporter from the FIJ, Sodeeq Atanda.
HRJN alleges that Atanda was told he would not be released unless Soyombo submits himself to police custody, a move the rights group described as “an alarming abuse of state power.”
Citing multiple cases of harassment targeting FIJ journalists in recent years, the group alleged that the actions illustrate a growing trend of weaponizing the criminal justice system against the press.
The organisation argued that such conduct violates Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the press as well as international human rights obligations.
The group which is demanding an immediate end to the harassment and criminalisation of investigative journalists, also urged the authorities concerned to drop all fabricated charges against FIJ reporters.
It called on the Inspector-General of Police and Ekiti State Police Command to uphold the rule of law and asked for a renewed commitment from the Nigerian government to protect press freedom and journalist safety.
“Journalists are not criminals. Investigative reporting is not a crime. Attempts to suppress truth-telling through intimidation, arrests, and threats are a direct attack on democracy, accountability, and the rights of all Nigerians,” HRJN said.
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with FIJ and journalists across the country who continue to face threats while reporting in the public interest.
Rights group for pressmen condemn police harassment of FIJ journalists
