Journalists in Peril: 12 Detained Under Tinubu’s Administration

Since Bola Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria’s press freedom has come under intense scrutiny, with the detainment of at least 12 journalists raising significant concerns. Below is a profile of these journalists whose arrests have sparked a national and international outcry.

1. Daniel Ojukwu (FIJ)
   Reason for Detainment: Daniel Ojukwu, a journalist with the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), was detained after he exposed a corruption scandal involving senior government officials. His reports shone a light on issues many would prefer to keep in the shadows.

1. Segun Olatunji (FirstNews)
   Reason for Detainment: Segun Olatunji faced arrest following his publication of an investigative report detailing a $30 billion financial scandal. His work implicated a high-ranking government official, which many believe led to his detention.

1. Kasarachi Aniagolu (The Whistler)
   Reason for Detainment: Kasarachi Aniagolu was arrested while covering a raid by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja. His commitment to reporting on government activities in real-time seems to have put him at odds with authorities.

1. Achadu Gabriel (Daybreak Newspaper)
   Reason for Detainment: Accused of defamation and incitement, Achadu Gabriel of Daybreak Newspaper was detained, allegedly for reporting stories critical of the government. His arrest has been widely condemned as an attack on free speech.

1. Godwin Tsa (Sun Newspaper)
   Reason for Detainment: Godwin Tsa was apprehended while covering a peaceful protest in Abuja. His reports focused on civil unrest and the government’s response, subjects that are increasingly sensitive under the current administration.

1. Precious Eze (News Platform)
   Reason for Detainment: Precious Eze, a journalist with News Platform, was arrested in Lagos after publishing what authorities deemed an offensive report. His detainment underscores the risks journalists face when reporting on contentious issues.

1. Salihu Ayatullahi (Informant247)
   Reason for Detainment: Salihu Ayatullahi was arrested after publishing a report linking a state official to a financial fraud case. His work at Informant247 has been pivotal in uncovering corruption, which appears to have made him a target.
2. Adisa-Jaji Azeez (Informant247)
   Reason for Detainment: Like his colleague, Adisa-Jaji Azeez was also arrested for reporting on the same financial fraud case, highlighting the dangerous environment for journalists tackling corruption in Nigeria.
3. Saint Mienpamo (NAIJA Live TV)
   Reason for Detainment: Saint Mienpamo was detained after publishing a report on an incident where a man was allegedly killed by security guards. His case reflects the broader trend of silencing journalists who report on human rights abuses.

1. Abdulrasaq Babatunde (Just Events Online)
   Reason for Detainment: The publisher of Just Events Online, Abdulrasaq Babatunde, was detained after writing critical pieces about a local politician. His arrest has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the dangers of holding power to account.
2. Lukman Bolakale (Satcom Media)
   Reason for Detainment: Lukman Bolakale was also detained for his critical reporting on local politicians, sharing a similar fate to that of his colleague Abdulrasaq Babatunde.
3. Bristol Tamunobiefiri (PIDOM)
   Reason for Detainment: Bristol Tamunobiefiri was detained under allegations of breaching national security and committing cybercrime. His arrest is one of the most severe, highlighting the government’s use of broad charges to stifle dissent.

These detentions have raised alarms about the future of journalism in Nigeria. Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy, and the detainment of these 12 journalists is a stark reminder of the threats facing those who dare to speak truth to power. There is a growing demand for the government to respect the rights of journalists and ensure their safety as they perform their crucial role in society.

All pictures credit to parallel facts