Since President Bola Tinubu took office, West Africa Weekly, an online newspaper, has revealed that at least 12 Nigerian journalists have been detained, raising concerns about press freedom and freedom of speech in the country.
According to the paper, here are the profiles of the detained journalists:
1. Daniel Ojukwu (FIJ) – Detained for exposing corruption involving senior officials.
2. Segun Olatunji (FirstNews) – Arrested for publishing a report on a $30 billion financial scandal implicating a top government official.
3. Kasarachi Aniagolu (The Whistler) – Arrested while covering an EFCC raid in Abuja.
4. Achadu Gabriel (Daybreak Newspaper) – Detained for alleged defamation and incitement.
5. Godwin Tsa (Sun Newspaper) – Detained while covering a peaceful protest in Abuja.
6. Precious Eze (News Platform) – Arrested for publishing an offensive report in Lagos.
7. Salihu Ayatullahi (Informant247) – Arrested for publishing a report linking a state official to financial fraud.
8. Adisa-Jaji Azeez (Informant247) – Arrested for publishing a report linking a state official to financial fraud.
9. Saint Mienpamo (NAIJA Live TV) – Arrested over a report on a man allegedly killed by security guards.
10. Abdulrasaq Babatunde (Just Events Online publisher) – Detained for writing critical reports about a local politician.
11. Lukman Bolakale (Satcom Media) – Detained for writing critical reports about a local politician.
12. Bristol Tamunobiefiri (PIDOM) – Detained for alleged breach of national security and cybercrime.
These detentions have sparked concerns about the state of press freedom in Nigeria, with many calling for the government to respect the rights of journalists and ensure their safety.
West Africa Weekly