The House of Representatives has issued a strong warning to security agencies, urging them to adhere to the amended Section 24 of the Cybercrimes Act.
The House emphasized that individuals, including journalists, should be charged in court if they violate any laws instead of being deprived of their constitutional rights through arbitrary arrests and detentions.
The House also called for the passage of laws to strengthen press freedom protections, the conduct of inquiries into recent cases of journalists’ detention, and diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought by Hon. Clement Jimbo, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State.
The motion was titled, “Motion to Address the Unlawful Arrest and Detention of Journalists Recognizing the Importance of Press Freedom in Nigeria.”
Hon. Jimbo stated that press freedom is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 subsection (1) of the 1999 constitution, as amended.
He said the provision guarantees journalists the ability to report news without fear of arrest or persecution.
He noted that press freedom is essential for democracy, serving as a critical tool for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency.
The House expressed concern over the increasing number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed while performing their professional duties, often under the pretext of cyber-stalking offenses within the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
The House noted that between 2015 and 2024, at least 25 journalists faced unwarranted arrests, unlawful detention, and various forms of harassment and intimidation.
The green chambers warns that the actions threaten the foundation of democracy and breach constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech.
The House stated that at least 10 journalists were arrested in the past year, and 15 during the previous regime.
The House expressed concern that the arrests and their consequences may worsen the climate for investigative and independent journalism in Nigeria.
In adopting the motion, the House emphasized the importance of protecting journalists’ rights for the sake of democracy, free speech, and human rights.
The House mandated the Committees on National Security to ensure compliance with the resolutions, sending a strong warning to perpetrators of unlawful acts against journalists.
