Expression
Journalists detained in Kano State for critical article
On 24th March 2025, the Kano State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department arrested and detained Buhari Abba, an online editor with the Kano Times, and freelance journalist Ismail Auwal. This action followed their publication of an article on 24th February 2025, which criticised the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for allegedly using the Nigerian Police to intimidate and detain a journalist. Ismail Auwal, the freelance journalist who actually authored the controversial article, was later arrested after the police summoned him for questioning. The incident provoked outrage among press freedom advocates. Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya denied ordering the arrests of the two journalists, Abba and Auwal. Amnesty International, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, the Association of Kano Online Journalists, and the Kano Times Editorial Board condemned the arrests, calling for an end to the harassment of journalists and urging the Kano State Governor to take action to protect press freedom.
Journalist arrested following allegations of political smear campaign
On 22nd May 2025, the Imo State Police arrested Nigerian journalist Obinna Oparaku Akuwudike following his online allegations of a planned smear campaign against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Akuwudike claimed in a YouTube interview that he was paid ₦2.5 million (approximately $1,725 USD) by businesswoman Sandra Duru to create defamatory content, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio purportedly sponsoring the effort. Deputy Superintendent of Police, Henry Okoye, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, explained that Akuwudike’s arrest resulted from his failure to respond to an invitation to clarify his statements. Although the specific location of Akuwudike’s detention was not disclosed, his arrest sparked immediate reactions from stakeholders. A coalition of press freedom and human rights organisations condemned the arrest, expressing concerns about political interference and the suppression of press freedom. Despite calls for his release, Akuwudike remained in custody, prompting 18 NGOs to demand his immediate and unconditional release in a letter to the Nigerian police on 2nd June 2025.
Meta fined following lawsuit by human rights lawyer
On 25th April 2025 in Abuja, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal upheld a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms, imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in July 2024. The fine was issued for Meta’s discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers, violating local consumer protection, data protection, and privacy laws. Meta’s appeal against the penalty was unsuccessful, reinforcing Nigeria’s regulatory stance on safeguarding consumer rights and data privacy within its jurisdiction.
Media regulator bans anti-government song (censorship)
On 9th April 2025 in Nigeria, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) passed an order prohibiting all radio and television stations from airing “Tell Your Papa”, a song released on 6th April by rapper Eedris Abdulkareem that directly addresses Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. The NBC deemed the Afrobeat track “inappropriate” and in breach of the broadcast code, citing the need to uphold “responsible broadcasting standards.” The song critiques Nigeria’s worsening infrastructure, insecurity, and economic hardships, urging Seyi Tinubu to relay these issues to his father. Despite the ban, the song continues to gain online popularity as a bold socio-political commentary. The Media Foundation for West Africa condemned the NBC’s directive as a violation of freedom of expression and artistic freedom, highlighting that the ban suppresses political discourse and contravenes Nigeria’s commitments under international human rights frameworks, including the 2005 UNESCO Convention on Cultural Expressions.
Coalition of civil rights groups sues Nigerian Police and Attorney General over arbitrary arrests and harassment of journalists
On 24th March 2025, a coalition of civil rights organisations, led by Citizens’ Gavel, filed a lawsuit against Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General, challenging the increasing pattern of arbitrary arrests and harassment of journalists. The coalition, which included the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development and the Human Rights Journalists Network, criticised the government’s inaction in protecting journalists from intimidation by powerful individuals and state actors. They called on the Nigerian government to recognise the media’s importance and ensure journalists can work safely and freely without undue interference.
Journalists assaulted
On 22nd February and 7th March 2025, at the University of Ibadan, university security personnel assaulted and intimidated two campus journalists covering the Students’ Union elections and the inauguration of newly elected union leaders. Olanshile Ogunrinu, President of the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJUI), and Oluwasegun Akanni were violently attacked while documenting the forceful removal of Nice Linus, an elected Student Representative Council member barred from taking her oath due to a disciplinary case linked to her participation in protests against a university fee hike in May 2024. Security personnel seized journalists’ phones and used physical aggression to suppress their reporting efforts.
Assault on journalist following social media post
On 15th March 2025 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, members of Salvation Ministries Church assaulted journalist Precious Amadi after he posted an SOS message on Facebook following a fire outbreak at the church premises. Amadi had initially helped evacuate flammable furniture and attempted to contact the Rivers State Fire Service, which did not respond. Angered by his social media post, church members, under the supervision of junior pastors, falsely accused him of espionage, confiscated his two phones, deleted his Facebook post without consent, wiped data from his devices, and beat him until he lost consciousness. Later that day, Amadi shared a live video recounting the assault and efforts to suppress his reporting. The Media Foundation for West Africa condemned the attack and urged authorities to investigate and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Assault on journalists by Nigerian military personnel
On 6th March 2025 in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigerian military personnel assaulted three journalists on official duty covering a solar project unveiling after visiting the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company headquarters. The attack occurred when Air Force personnel, angered by the disconnection of their military base’s power supply, stormed the premises and began assaulting people. The journalists—Dare Olawin of The Punch, a TVC cameraman, and a freelancer—were dragged from a Coaster bus, beaten, forced to sit on the floor, and had their devices seized, including phones, a power bank, and a tripod.
Nigerian army arrests and detains investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo
On 26th November 2024 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the 6 Division of the Nigerian army arrested and detained Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist and the founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Soyombo was detained during an operation targeting illegal oil bunkering in the South-South region, as he was suspected of involvement in such activities. Sahara Reporters alleged that his arrest might be connected to his investigative work uncovering corruption and smuggling activities facilitated by the Nigerian Customs Service. Earlier in November, Sahara Reporters reported that Soyombo had released additional videos to support his claims of smuggling involving officers from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). On 29th November, after being held for three days, the Nigerian army released Soyombo.
Journalist to face lawsuit
In Bauchi State, WikkiTimes reporter Yawale Adamu is scheduled to appear in court on 18th November 2024 following multiple hearings related to criminal defamation, falsehood, and mischief charges. These legal actions stem from a bench warrant issued on 3rd September 2024 against both Adamu and WikkiTimes publisher Haruna Mohammed Salisu. The charges relate to a 16th April 2024 investigative report exposing Mansur Manu Soro, a federal legislator, for allegedly misappropriating millions of public funds through contracts awarded to an associate. The prosecution, initiated by business executive Abubakar Abdullahi, is widely viewed as a proxy retaliation by Soro against the newspaper’s critical reporting. Despite repeated court appearances, the legal harassment continues, prompting calls for Nigerian authorities to cease actions that disrupt WikkiTimes’ journalistic work.
PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY
Protests challenging Nigerian government’s economic policies and state of emergency
On 7th April 2025, the Take-It-Back Movement, led by activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, organised nationwide protests in major Nigerian cities including Abuja, Lagos, Oyo, and Rivers. The demonstrations, which were not officially banned but discouraged by the Nigeria Police Force, were held to challenge the government’s handling of economic hardship and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The young demonstrators defied police warnings and gathered peacefully in various locations, such as the Ikeja Under Bridge in Lagos. The protests aimed to voice concerns over the state of the Nigerian economy, government corruption, and other pressing national issues.
Youth protest in Edo State turns violent
On 22nd May 2025, youths in the Isihor area of Edo State staged a protest in response to a raid conducted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and security agents on 19th May. The raid targeted cybercrime activities, suspecting local youths of being Internet fraudsters. Some of these youths, popularly known as “Yahoo Boys”, were angered by the police raid and decided to protest against alleged harassment and intimidation by security agencies in their locality. Initially peaceful, the protest later turned violent, resulting in an attack on a police officer and the vandalism of a security van. The local police suppressed the demonstration with live bullets, resulting in the injuring of one officer and a 40-year-old civilian. On 22nd May, the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP), through its Publicity Secretary Chris Nehihkare, issued a statement expressing concern over the incident, condemning the attacks on law enforcement, and urging the government to prioritise citizens’ safety, dignity, and rights in its leadership approach.
Federal Capital Territory Indigenous Groups’ protest disrupted by security forces
On 21st May 2025 members of the Original Inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), held a peaceful protest at the National Assembly in Abuja to oppose the nomination of Comrade Solomon Adodo to the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) board. Led by Comrade Zakari Gambo Babale and Pastor Danladi Jeji, the protesters argued that Adodo, who hails from Benue State, should be replaced by an FCT indigene. They also called for Abuja to be recognised as a state by 2027 and highlighted the marginalisation of nine indigenous FCT tribes. The peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force fired tear gas at protesters and journalists. No arrests were reported.
IMN protests (Islamic Movement of Nigeria) in March 2025
On 28th March 2025 in Abuja, clashes erupted between Nigerian security forces and Shi’ite Muslim protesters from the banned Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) during a march in solidarity with Palestine. Police reported that protesters launched a violent assault with firearms and other weapons in the Wuse 2 neighbourhood, resulting in intense gunfire that seriously injured three security operatives and caused the death of one. Authorities arrested 19 suspects. IMN representatives denied initiating violence, attributing the deaths—estimated at five—to military actions and called for accountability. Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the use of live ammunition by the army, urging an impartial investigation into the incident.
Report on crackdown on #BadGovernance protests
Based on a report published by Amnesty International, on 5th November 2024, the Nigerian authorities withdrew treason charges against minors who had been arrested for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protests, leading to the charges being struck out. This followed their arraignment on 4th November, where 19 protesters, including three minors, faced bogus charges in a State High Court in Maiduguri, Borno State, for “treason and using social media to defame the state governor, Babagana Zulum, and incite citizens against the state.” These arrests were part of a larger crackdown on the #EndBadGovernance protests, which took place from 1st to 10th August 2024 across Nigeria. The protests were driven by widespread economic hardship, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the rising cost of living. During the protests, security forces, including the police and army, used excessive force such as tear gas, water cannon, and live ammunition to disperse protesters, resulting in at least 24 deaths and over 1,200 arrests nationwide. Many of the arrested children were detained simply for being on the streets during the protests. Amnesty International found that some of those arraigned, including 27 minors in one group, were held for over two months in appalling conditions before their court appearance on 1st November. Some of the protesters are still being prosecuted. Amnesty International called on the Nigerian government to release all #EndBadGovernance protesters while
Nigeria police demanded a retraction and apology from Amnesty International over its publication on the #EndBadGovernance Protest.
ASSOCIATION
Activists detained, released on bail
On 20th December 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, police arraigned #EndSARS activist Olamide Abiodun Thomas on four criminal charges following a viral video in which she insulted President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and senior police officials. The video, recorded during a protest commemorating the fourth anniversary of the #EndSARS movement against police brutality, showed Thomas cursing Seyi Tinubu and police chiefs Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun and spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi while suffering tear gas effects. The police accused her of violating Section 24 (2) (a) of the Cybercrimes Act, 2024, alleging her actions aimed to bully, threaten, and harass Seyi Tinubu. Following her arrest weeks earlier, Thomas was remanded in prison by Judge Emeka Nwite and is expected to remain incarcerated through the holiday recess. Her case coincides with the arrest and detention of Lagos-based lawyer and rights activist Dele Farotimi, who faces multiple defamation charges related to his book on judicial corruption; Farotimi was recently granted bail under contested conditions.
Activist detained, released
On 27th November 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, the police arrested Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, former Commissioner for International Affairs and vocal critic of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, at his residence in front of his family and transferred him to Owerri, Imo State. His arrest followed allegations of seditious and inflammatory publications aimed at inciting civil unrest in the state. After nearly two months in detention at the Tiger Base Unit of Imo State Police Command, during which he fell ill and reportedly did not receive adequate medical care, Dr. Ihekweme was reportedly released following a letter of apology to the governor for unsubstantiated allegations. His detention sparked public outcry from activists and civil society, including the WADEMOS Network, condemning the use of security agencies to suppress dissent and demanding the dropping of all charges against him.