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 era where they see the Cybercrime Act as a readily available tool to harass the press, which is particularly concerning as citizens look to inform themselves ahead of national elections in early 2027,” said CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal. “We call on authorities to repeal or reform sections of the Cybercrimes Act, and of the penal and criminal codes, that are regularly used to jail journalists”
In the countdown to Nigeria’s presidential and state elections in 2027, CPJ is increasingly concerned about press freedom in th
Continue Reading on Premium Times Nigeria
This preview shows approximately 15% of the article. Read the full story on the publisher's website to support quality journalism.