In the statement, the NGE and SERAP criticized the Nigerian government under President Tinubu for its continued targeting of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have asked the President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government to immediately release human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, who is currently detained, and to drop all charges against him, including those of criminal defamation and cybercrimes.
The groups issued this demand in a joint statement on Tuesday, emphasising that Farotimi’s detention is solely due to his peaceful exercise of human rights.
In the statement, the NGE and SERAP criticized the Nigerian government under President Tinubu for its continued targeting of journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
They demanded the unconditional release of journalists, activists and all individuals detained for peacefully exercising their rights or carrying out their legitimate work.
The demand by the NGE and SERAP comes amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for free expression in Nigeria, as the government has intensified its crackdown on media and civil society.
The groups issued the joint statement after a press conference held to mark this year’s International Human Rights Day in Lagos State, which was organised by SERAP and NGE under the theme "Nigeria: Backsliding on Human Rights and Media Freedom."
During the event, the groups raised alarms about the increasing violations of the right to freedom of expression, assembly, association, and media freedom, as well as the authorities' disregard for the rule of law.
They condemned the impunity enjoyed by those who threaten, intimidate, and harass journalists, bloggers, and human rights defenders, creating a hostile environment for these individuals.
The statement expressed deep concern over the government's use of criminal defamation and cybercrime laws to target and prosecute those who engage in peaceful dissent.
The NGE and SERAP asked President Tinubu and his administration to stop weaponizing these laws to stifle critical reporting and opposition voices.
They also called on the government to instruct the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and state governors to ensure that the rights of journalists, bloggers, and activists are respected and protected.
The statement also highlighted the challenges that journalists and human rights defenders face in Nigeria, including arbitrary arrests, criminal charges, and detention for simply doing their jobs.
It noted the growing trend of harassment and threats against the media, with security agencies and politicians frequently using surveillance technology and legal threats to silence critics.
Furthermore, the groups expressed concern over the continued use of commercial spyware and other invasive tactics by the state to monitor and intimidate journalists and activists.
In addition to calling for the immediate release of detained individuals, the statement also demanded the government investigate all allegations of human rights violations against journalists and activists and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The groups called for a review of repressive laws such as the Official Secrets Act, Criminal Code Act, and Cybercrime Act, suggesting amendments to these laws to align them with international human rights standards.
The NGE and SERAP also urged the Nigerian government to strengthen the independence of media regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), ensuring impartial regulation and promoting self-regulation within the media.
They called for the immediate repeal of laws that restrict freedom of expression and media freedom, such as the Cybercrimes Act, and urged the government to respect court judgments that call for the repeal of such laws.
The groups called on state governors and the federal government to ensure that security forces cease the arbitrary closure of media outlets, drop charges against journalists, and refrain from harassing or intimidating media organizations.
They also urged governors to ensure adequate compensation for victims of human rights violations.
The groups called on the international community to hold Nigerian authorities accountable for their actions, urging them to apply diplomatic pressure to ensure the immediate release of those detained for peacefully exercising their rights and to advocate for the protection of freedom of expression and media freedom in the country.
The joint statement by the NGE and SERAP underscores the critical role of a free and independent press in a democratic society and highlights the importance of upholding human rights in Nigeria.
Despite promises to protect these rights, the groups warned that the ongoing repression and impunity for violations continue to threaten the fundamental freedoms that are guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution and international treaties.