Tracking Tinubu’s tenure: CPJ exposes Nigeria’s media repression reality
In the three years since Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, journalists have been repeatedly arrested, attacked, and harassed — yet, the government has sought to deny this reality. Vice President Kashim Shettima suggested in February that no journalists have been harassed in Nigeria since Tinubu took office, despite extensive…
No justice, over month after 15 men beat Nigerian journalist investigating phone scam
Abuja, May 28, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Nigerian authorities to swiftly identify and hold to account at least 15 men who assaulted journalist Allwell Ene as he was investigating an alleged phone scam in the southern city of Port Harcourt. Police spokesperson Blessing Agabe announced on World Press Freedom Day, May 3,…
CPJ, partners write to Nigerian president over VP comments about press freedom
Bola Ahmed TinubuPresident of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Sent via email Dear President Tinubu, We, the undersigned Nigerian and international press freedom organizations, write to express alarm over Vice President Kashim Shettima Mustapha’s recent remarks suggesting that no journalists have been harassed in Nigeria since you took office. This mischaracterization conveys a grave indifference…
Nigerian police beat journalist Muhammad Sani Adamu during Eid celebrations
Abuja, March 27, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Nigerian authorities to swiftly and transparently conclude investigations into the beating by police officers on Sunday of journalist Muhammad Sani Adamu, and hold those responsible to account. The attack occurred as Adamu sought to cover Eid celebrations in the town of Bununu in northeastern Bauchi…
Kenya court due to rule on cybercrimes law as another journalist faces jail
Journalist Peter Maseke Mwita has a keener interest than most in Friday’s upcoming ruling on the constitutionality of Kenya’s cybercrime law — legislation that could see him jailed for up to 10 years over a mistaken WhatsApp message. On February 27, a three-judge court of appeal bench is due to rule in a case brought…
Nigerian journalist Matthew Ojoduma cleared, released after 9+ month detention in Benin
Editor’s note: The case against Matthew Ojoduma was dropped, and he was released on November 25, 2025, after evidence did not support the allegations against him, according to court documents reviewed by CPJ. The headline of this alert has been updated to reflect his release. Abuja, November 12, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on…
Nigerian authorities detain another journalist for cybercrimes over governance reports
Abuja, November 26, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Nigerian authorities to release journalist Friday James Alefia, who has been in detention since September on cybercrime charges, for which he could face up to three years in jail. “Nigerian authorities should swiftly drop the cybercrime charges against journalist Friday James Alefia, who has been…
3 Nigerian journalists detained on cybercrime allegations, despite reform
At least three journalists in Nigeria have been detained since August on allegations of violating the country’s Cybercrime Act, despite last year’s reform of the law, highlighting its ongoing use to harass the media. One journalist, known under the pen name Fejiro Oliver, has been behind bars since mid-September. “Nigerian authorities appear stuck in an…
4 Nigerian journalists face fresh charges over report tying bank CEO to fraud claims
Abuja, October 16, 2024–The Committee to Protect Journalists strongly condemns the continued detention of journalists Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, whose criminal charges were amended by prosecutors on October 14. “Nigerian authorities should release journalists Olurotimi Olawale, Precious Eze Chukwunonso, Roland Olonishuwa, and Seun Odunlami, and end the deepening criminalization…
Nigeria police charge 4 journalists with cybercrimes for corruption reporting
Despite recent reforms to Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, journalists continue to be targeted for publishing news in the public interest, with four reporters being charged under the law last month. Cybercrime laws and other regulations governing online content have been widely used to jail journalists around the world. In Nigeria, at least 29 journalists have faced…