MRA decries rising attacks on journalists, calls for global action against impunity

MRA Condemns Journalist Attacks in Nigeria, warning of rising threats to press freedom and urging global action to hold government accountable

The group cited the recent arrest of investigative journalist Hassan Mai-Waya Kangiwa in Kebbi State on the orders of Governor Nasir Idris.

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Hassan was detained after circulating a video showing an elderly patient lying helplessly on a bare metal bed at Kangiwa General Hospital, a clip that sparked national outrage over neglect in the health sector.

Instead of addressing the decay, authorities moved against the journalist, seizing his phones and equipment during a late-night raid and denying him access to lawyers.

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) said Hassan’s ordeal reflects a disturbing pattern of state-backed assaults on journalists.

In a statement, Programme Officer John Gbadamosi described the environment as “deteriorating” and warned that the culture of impunity has emboldened both state and non-state actors to attack journalists without consequence.

MRA also highlighted recent cases:

– Olatunji Adebayo of The Punch was beaten by security operatives in Ibadan while covering a protest in June 2025.

– Broadcast freelancer Blessing Okonkwo was assaulted by police in Anambra during a demolition exercise in July 2025.

– Daily Trust photojournalist Ibrahim Garba was detained and beaten by political loyalists at a rally in Kano in August 2025.

– NTA reporter Ladi Bala was harassed and threatened by Nigerian Railway Corporation chief Kayode Opeifa while reporting a train derailment in Abuja on 27 August 2025.

– FIJ reporter Sodeeq Atanda was unlawfully detained in Ekiti on 9 September 2025 after exposing alleged sexual misconduct by FUOYE Vice Chancellor Abayomi Fasina.

– FIJ founder Fisayo Soyombo was summoned by Ekiti police over allegations of conspiracy and defamation, raising further alarm.

The organisation urged the Federal Government to obey a subsisting 2024 Federal High Court order mandating investigations and prosecution of perpetrators of crimes against journalists.

It called on authorities to uphold the rule of law, end impunity, and protect media workers.

MRA further appealed to international watchdogs, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Human Rights Council, to hold Nigeria accountable for its obligations under human rights treaties.

“Nigeria has committed itself to global human rights standards. It must now be held to account for its failure to protect journalists.

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The international community cannot afford to remain silent in the face of these attacks,” Mr Gbadamosi declared.

Quadri Olaitan