Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has issued a stern call to the Federal Government to respect a February 16, 2024, Federal High Court judgment mandating the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks against media practitioners.
In a statement released on Sunday to mark World Press Freedom Day, the organization warned that the government’s two-year failure to implement the court’s directives has fostered a dangerous culture of impunity, leaving journalists vulnerable to systemic harassment and violence.
A Mandate for Accountability
The legal battle, initiated in 2021 by Abuja-based lawyer Ms. Mojirayo Ogunlana on behalf of MRA, culminated in a landmark ruling by Justice Inyang Ekwo. The court issued eight declaratory reliefs, ordering the Federal Government to prevent future attacks, ensure victims have access to effective remedies, and actively punish those who target the press.
MRA’s Programme Officer, Ms. Ayomide Eweje, emphasized that the continued disregard for this judicial order undermines the rule of law.
“The state of media freedom in Nigeria remains deeply concerning, marked by persistent and spiraling incidents of attacks against journalists. The Government’s failure to comply with the court’s orders is enabling impunity and encouraging further attacks on those dedicated to public accountability,” Eweje stated.
Rising Hostility and Legislative Misuse
The organization highlighted a disturbing trend of arbitrary arrests, detention, and physical intimidation by security agencies over the past year. Reporters investigating corruption and governance are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of state actors.
Ms. Eweje specifically pointed to the misuse of the Cybercrime Act and other restrictive regulations. She noted that these laws are frequently weaponized to silence dissent and shield the reputations of powerful public officials under the pretense of national security.
Economic and Structural Pressures
Beyond physical threats, the MRA raised alarms regarding the economic instability threatening the Nigerian media sector. Declining revenues and political interference are reportedly compromising editorial independence, making it harder for organizations to sustain quality investigative journalism.
To address these compounding crises, the MRA is urging the government to:
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End all forms of harassment and unlawful detention of media professionals.
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Conduct transparent investigations into all reported attacks.
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Review and amend laws that conflict with constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression.
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Fully implement the Freedom of Information Act 2011 to ensure transparency.
A Call to Action
As the world celebrates press freedom, Ms. Eweje saluted the resilience of Nigerian journalists who continue to operate under difficult and often dangerous conditions. She reminded the government and law enforcement agencies that media freedom is a vital element of nation-building, not a threat to it, and called for an immediate shift toward protecting the citizens’ right to information.
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