The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately release detained human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.
In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the groups condemned Farotimi’s arrest, describing it as an attack on his peaceful exercise of human rights.
They also demanded the withdrawal of all charges against him, including criminal defamation and alleged violations of cybercrime laws.
The statement came during a press conference in Lagos marking this year’s International Human Rights Day.
The event, themed “Nigeria: Backsliding on Human Rights and Media Freedom,” was organized by both organizations to spotlight the growing threats to free speech and media freedom in the country.
The NGE and SERAP accused the Tinubu administration of systematically targeting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders.
“Farotimi’s detention reflects a broader crackdown on dissent,” the statement read. “We demand his unconditional release and an end to these repressive practices.”
The groups expressed alarm over the shrinking space for free expression in Nigeria.
They described a troubling trend of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation of those who speak out against the government.
Journalists and bloggers have increasingly become targets, the groups said, facing threats from both state actors and political figures.
The use of cybercrime and defamation laws to prosecute peaceful dissent was particularly criticized.
“These laws have become tools of oppression rather than protection,” the groups said, calling for their repeal.
They highlighted cases of journalists and activists who have been detained or silenced for exposing corruption or criticizing government policies.
The statement also accused security agencies of using advanced surveillance technologies to monitor and intimidate the media.
“This abuse of power undermines democracy and violates the rights guaranteed by Nigeria’s constitution and international treaties,” the groups stated.
They called on the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and state governors to stop the arbitrary detention of media professionals and activists.
The NGE and SERAP also urged the government to strengthen media regulatory bodies like the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
They demanded that the commission operate independently and promote fair oversight of the press.
“Regulation must support press freedom, not suppress it,” the statement emphasized.
The groups also called for the investigation of all human rights violations against journalists and activists.
They urged the federal government to prosecute those responsible for harassment, detention, or violence against members of the press.
State governors were asked to compensate victims of human rights abuses and ensure a safer environment for journalists to operate.
The statement further demanded the repeal of repressive laws like the Official Secrets Act and the Criminal Code Act.
They stressed the importance of aligning Nigerian laws with international human rights standards.
The NGE and SERAP also called on the international community to hold Nigeria accountable for its actions.
“Global diplomatic pressure is essential to ensuring respect for human rights and the immediate release of those unjustly detained,” they said.
The groups warned that continued repression could destabilize Nigeria’s democracy.
“Without a free and independent press, society loses its voice, and democracy is weakened,” the statement concluded.
